Hi,

I just wrote an introduction in the new members section but I also wanted to say hello to this forum since it's where I'll be posting/reading. My name is Joann and I was diagnosed with bipolar II in 2009 and have been on a roller coaster ever since. I guess I was always on a roller coaster and now there is just a name for it. It was a relief to find out was was "wrong" with me but I also took it really hard because I know the stigma that is out there and had bought into it a little myself. I don't tell many people, I don't know if I would call it embarrassment but there is something about people knowing that I'm not comfortable with.

I have been with my boyfriend for two years and he has been wonderful about it. I know I am hard to deal with but he takes it in stride and really tries to understand. He even went to therapy with me for a while. I don't know anyone else that is bipolar and so even though he tries to be there he doesn't understand like I need someone to. I want to be able to say what's going on with me and have someone in my life that says "I've been there!"

If you guys want to know anything else about me feel free to ask!

[Direction]

Welcome! Glad you found us...

[sugahorse1]

Hi there and welcome! I was also dx'd mid 2009, but think I mostly have the hang of this and am doing ok since I climbed out of those dark places.

It's good to have you round, and I think you'll see we are a wonderful bunch, with lots of support, understanding and knowledge

[blueoctober]

Welcome joannasouras; I hope you find this site supportive

[Forgive77]

I'm new too, and just found out about the book. It is so nice to talk to people who understand, and that the people who are okay now, stay on the site to help. =)

[Forgive77]

"Living with Someone who is Living with Bipolar Disorder" by Chelsea Lowe, 2010

[dragonfly2]

Welcome to PC! I have come to really love this place and all the wonderful people here. And yes, people here have been there and will understand. Knowing you're not alone helps a lot.

Hi Joann, I'm new to this site as well. I agree with dragonfly. Just knowing you not alone in this really helps. I was diagnosed at 17. But was in total denial until I was 27 and went back in for another diagnosis. I'm now 32 and I think I've got the hang of it for the most part. I don't tell many people and I don't know anyone with this disorder either. My boyfriend like yours tries to understand and is very patient. But there are some things that people can't really understand unless they actually experience it themselves. I get alot of psychosis visual, audio, and tactile. He finds this very scary, and I used to feel a bit offended, like I'm a freak. But I guess had I not experienced it I'd find it a little scary too. A sometimes I do haha.
I've been lurking on this site for a while and the people seem great with a lot of good advice and support.

[jack123]

Welcome to the site. I hope you will find it supportive as I have.

[wing]

Welcome!

[kykid]

Welcome to the group.

I am sure that you will find it as helpful as I have. I have been diagnosed for 12 years now and only recently discovered this site. I have found it very helpful to discuss my issues with people who know where I am coming from.

It is invaluable knowing that there are others out there like you, that you are not alone. This alone is reason enough to participate.

Again, welcome.

[cheeri]

You will learn that you have "the hang of it" at times. Then somehow, you lose grip. It's all in phases. Always remember that nothing is forever with this illness. That has kept me from suicide on multiple occasions.

[BlackPup]

welcome...
I also struggled with my diagnosis (in 2007) but was also relieved... good luck with your journey. I hope this site is as helpful for you as it has been for me