There's more to the Story

I have been leaving something important out of the story of my life. I just realized the omission today. I wrote a blog post on this subject for daily publication put out by the #Usguys Tribe on Twitter: Libbytalks Has a Secret. In it I talked about my bipolar disorder. I wanted to talk about my disorder because it is a big part of my life. My husband shares a lot of the credit for helping me manage so well -- he shoulders responsibilities when I can't and is very engaged is helping me recognize the changing signs and seasons of this disease.
I first discovered I had it while in my early twenties. If you go back to that post to help put things into perspective -- it hit before my son died. He was 9-1/2 months old. I became very hyper, couldn't sleep or focus, my thoughts began to race and I lost my appetite. This was my first manic episode. My doctors called it postpartum which I found hard to believe. They classified any manic episode occurring within the first year of childbirth to be postpartum. I can't really talk about all the details yet, but I will say this, my ex left before my son died and one of the big reasons he left was my diagnosis. My current husband Mike (32 years this July) knew what he was in for and embraced our marriage with positivity, joy and faith and has each day since. We have struggled with circumstances, but not with each other! We have fought this disease together each day as a team.

I know how fortunate I am to be managing so well. I am in my 50's and healthier than I've been in many years. I am stable on the meds and vitamins I take. Did you know Fish Oil was also good for mood? I am feeling good. The only glitch is I am easing off a med right now which anyone with this disorder will tell you is one of the hardest things to do. Any kind of medication change is difficult though. But, I am very thankful that I have never felt tempted to zip through life without my meds! Mania frightens me. I don't consider it a pleasant high that I should skip meds to experience. Many people with bipolar do. It's a shame because it puts them on a roller coaster. I don't want a ride, I want a life! I love having one. Time for the Lord, for family and friends --and good hard work! Also, I need time to spend on Twitter with a whole bunch of other fabulous friends.

I'm glad I'm sharing about this. Hopefully it will be of some help to someone. I am here, let's chat! @libbytalks on Twitter, Libby Baker Sweiger on Facebook.