Hi, welcome to my blog Rapid Cycling. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2006 and re-diagnosed with depression and anxiety in December 2008. I have been a depression sufferer since 20 years of age (I am now 37). I have tried so many anti-depressants plus numerous anti-psychotic medications. I am currently taking Effexor XR 150 mg and Murolax 30 mg twice daily.
The aim of this blog is to inform sufferers of ways to help themselves perhaps overcome depression or just cope with depression and bipolar disorder and all the other bits in between. I also want to express my thoughts and opinions on how my upbringing has contributed to my mental illnesses and the choices I have made in my life.
You will find a list of helpful links, groups and articles available. Do let me know how you are going and how you like my blog.
In January 2009 I started up a support group in my area for mental illness sufferers. In three months it grew to 50 people via web presence and we got 10 members to monthly support group meetings. That support group is now a social support group that meets monthly to help sufferers build friendships and reduce isolation. I have met some wonderful people through the support group.
I must admit I was gobsmacked to realise that the majority of people in the support group were from dysfunctional family upbringings and many of us had been bullied at school.
I am a 12 Stepper. I attend SAnon regularly and am also a member of Alanon and SLAA (which I do not frequent that often anymore). 12 Stepping is important to me and my mental and life recovery as I grew up in an alcoholic home and have unfortunately picked up some unhealthy behaviours from my childhood.
I have also self harmed in the past and still have idealations of self harm and the like today. I am learning to understand how I used minor self harm as a child as a coping mechanism.
I am also a codependent. Something I learnt very well to be as a child.
Anyway, hope you will join me on my journey of self discovery and recovery and learn a little about yourself along the way.
Thank you! Thank you for speaking out on this! I am very glad I found this blog!
Just came across your blog – looks like some great information. I am a recovering co-dependent and like you learned my lessons at a very early age.
It’s been a great journey and I’m looking forward to the future. Thanks – Karen.
Thanks for stopping by Karen, hope to see you back again soon
Just came across your blog – looks like some great information. Thanks – Karen.