Sad realization.

You know for about three years, I felt for the most part that I was actually winning my little war. But truth be told, I just built, with help from my treatment team and fear a safe little bubble. I sheltered myself from the pressures of life. I hit a hypo-manic phase, bought a house and a dog and now that I have all these obligations everything is drowning me. That is the enemy of bipolar disorder. The effing hypo-mania. I got over confident and self delusional and over extended myself. Now I am having uncontrollable emotions and I am not responding well. So, I am going to take as much of a break as I can. Which is hard because I have a 6 month dog I just saved from the Humane Society who needs constant house training. Watched 24/7 so she doesn't eat something she shouldn't, or develop unhealthy potty habits. I have a loving supportive woman in my life but she works. I know what I have to do but it's incredibly difficult right now. I have scheduled an appointment with my pdoc to discuss options. No need to worry about me. I am going to just stop everything and regroup so I am in no danger. I feel more duped and now know I can't be over confident about my ability to beat this.

I have been right where you are. In fact, when you post about your house and your dog, and your over confidence, I can sit here and go, "Yup, me too." My dog is 9 months old. He is getting really good at house training. Do you have a crate? I think that was the best thing for house training. If you Google "crate training" you can find some really great info.

Know you aren't alone. It's a good idea to work with your p-doc.

I'm in your same 'hypomanic' boat.....I did the same thing back in 96...Had a good? relationship, bought a house.....was ridin high on the crest...never got a pet, but if I had thought of it I would have. Got two cars within a year because I felt so good about the future I was building. Then the bottom droped out. I can't really picture the day, week, or month.......but I lost it all, little by little.....
That is my sad realization...but...At least we can look back and try to understand what the heck happened......try to move on and not let it happen again.
Good luck with your dog....you seem a truly caring owner....and a pet seems to help many heal............Y..

Thank you for your kind words. Yeah, I owe my life to my first dog. My father trained dogs in the military so I have been around them my whole life. She is worth it ultimately, just she is behind the curve having been caged for two months. She was on legal hold since Dec 9th, 2009 and we adopted her 5 days ago. She deserves a safe place in the world. Fortunately, my wife had some time off and has given me a breather. I have to be careful now to make sure I don't over do it but I am forcing myself to be safe. Thanks again for the responses.