I'm counting down the days until I return to work (teachers report back this week). I don't feel ready to go back, especially since we have to hit the ground running. Because of my responsibilities at the beginning of the school year, I may not be able to get a solid routine down until November or December (later with the holidays?)...I'll do my best to get something established as soon as possible though.
I had counseling today. Last week and this week my counselor has challenged me in all the right ways. It's not always easy to hear/see the truth but it's time I accept the ways my childhood, and going back to the state I grew up in, trigger my Bipolar symptoms and work to find the courage to make any changes to these dynamics that I need to (even if that means not visiting my mom and/or limiting the amount of communication I have with her). My counselor and I think it would be a good idea for my boyfriend and I to attend a session together to talk about the messiness that comes with managing Bipolar symptoms/healing from trauma and what this might mean for our relationship if it gets more serious and leads to marriage. My boyfriend has kindly agreed to go since I think it would be helpful for both of us individually and the two of us as a couple. Hopefully, we'll be able to go within the next few weeks.
The switch to risperidone seems to be working well still! I'm having weirdly specific, and mostly significant, dreams on it but that's okay. I am loving how it's somewhat easier for me to get out of bed in the morning, and much easier to stay awake at night, now that I am no longer taking olanzapine.
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Scooter9 I hope your house remodel goes smoothly and quickly so. you are able to enjoy it all as soon as possible!
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JaneOnceMore I'm so happy for you that you made it through May, June, and July without any hypomania symptoms for the first time in a couple of years! How exciting!