Monday, March 12, 2007

Letter From A Reader

I recently received an email from a woman in Indiana. I am sure that many of you have words that can help her. I hope that by now she has found the DBSA support group in Valpo and is doing better.
She writes:
Not sure that this site is what I was exactly looking for. I have Bi-Polar 1 disorder and am looking for others to connect with to see why I have the social problems I do. I see a psychiatrist but I still run into several panic attacks and I depend on my significant other so much that he is feeling like I don't trust him. I am honestly just scared when he is away that I will have an attack and not keep it under control. What to do here in N.W. Indiana??????

First I would recommend the portion of the equation that you did not mention; the therapist. I would recommend someone that you are comfortable with and can connect with. Of course, Dr. Mary Zemansky is the first that comes to my mind. She is located in Chesterton and she is excellent. There are many good doctors and the most important thing is that you find one. The medication is just one piece and you have to connect all of the pieces to get the whole picture. I would also suggest a book entitled "Loving Someone Who Is Bipolar (Understanding and Helping your Partner)" by Julia Fast. This book will be good for you and your partner to both share.
You have to understand what your partner goes through. It is such a difficult disorder to share with someone. Even for those of us who are afflicted ourselves and have lived with Bipolar Disorder our whole lives it is difficult. At times I have to take a step back from my child and see that the behavior I am experiencing is the disorder not the child. Our spouses can be overwhelmed by our need for reassurance and constant companionship one second and the total lack of desire to be in the same room with them the next second.
Make an effort to see things from his side of the issue and try to find an out that will help you build your confidence. A DBSA meeting is a good place to find others who will relate to what you are experiencing and offer helpful advice. Any small group environment where you can meet others is a good place to start.
I hope this helps and I hope you have met with the great people at one of the support groups in your area.