Something to keep me occupied

[RoseToez]

So i dont really know where to put this, I guess being bipola type II I thought this might be a good place. I've recently given up drinking but today I realised I'm buying alot of things online for my son who's about to turn 3. I've always got some kind of addiction to keep me happy and at the moment I'm dealing with a recent separation I guess I need to figure something to keep me happy without the negativity.. I mean shoppings not too bad but it is costly I just want to be content without needing something all the time. I guess I really want to get active and be happy with that but its not quite warm enough to get out with the pram yet (I've also got a 1 yo)

[baet123]

Hi Rose,

It is so amazing that you have given up drinking. That is a huge win for you and takes so much courage and resilience. You should be extremely proud.

Dealing with a separation must be difficult, however, wanting to buy things online for your son shows you care greatly for him and that is a great thing. Online shopping gets everybody (including me) so don't be too hard on yourself. I think its fair to say buying "things" for your son is far better than spending money on drinking right?

Don't worry, summer is right around the corner and you will be able to enjoy the weather with your children in no time! I think its great that you plan on taking your children out and enjoying the sun and weather. Vitamin D is great for our emotional well-being and has so many other benefits. It is amazing that you are also planning ahead and are attempting to be active which is a great lifestyle choice everyone should strive towards (myself included).

It is also important to note that it seems like your doing a wonderful job caring for your children but please take care of yourself too. Take sometime to do the things YOU enjoy also. This is great self-care and will go a long way to feeling better.

I assume you receive treatment from a health professional for your bipolar yes? If you feel that you are struggling with your recent separation and that if this continues, it may be worth seeing a psychologist (10 free sessions with a mental health care plan) or seeing a counsellor. There are many community welfare agencies that provide free counselling from trainer and certified professionals so that is something to consider. Your mental health and happiness is important and should be a priority so if your separation continues to negatively impact on your emotional health and well-being, please consider the above.

Hope this helps.

Stay positive and it will get better 🙂 Things generally do!

Look forward to hearing from you again.

All the best,

Nick.

[RoseToez]

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I was seeing a psychologist briefly after i was diagnosed.. but she kind of made me feel like I talk a bit too much and that I was already happy bubbly person with a positive attitude.. maybe it was me telling her what i thought she wanted to hear.. so I dont really find her all that helpful. To be honest this online forum has been more helpful therapy wise in the sense I'm able to vent about my issues and be heard. I guess it wouldnt even matter if someone replied or not it just makes me feel good. I guess the one thing I have going for me with my addictive personality is that i know when to reel myself in.. I just need to stop bouncing onto something else. I guess I tend to obsessive over things on a bad day with my bipola and the online shopping is a big thing of that when I'm trying to figure out what I want to buy and which one. I get incredibly distracted which isnt so good when I've got small kids. I'm aware of everything I do it's just a matter of realizing it when it goes too far.

[baet123]

Hey Rose,

I agree. Mindfulness and realising when what is going on is going to far is so important yet hard to monitor and do at the same time. I am sorry that your psychologist in the past has not been very beneficial to your recovery. However, I strongly recommend seeing another psychologist. A big reason why people improve is because of their health professionals. Finding a health professional you click with and experience and share a great client-professional relationship will help you greatly I believe. It is worth a shot if you wish to explore this route again.

I was so happy and encouraged to hear that the forums are of use to you and we do hear you and care for you! Expressing our feelings and emotions is ALWAYS beneficial to be honest and the fact you feel that way is amazing! We all get incredibly distracted believe me so don't be too hard on yourself.

It seems you are extremely intellectual and your self-awareness is amazing.

Look forward to hearing from you again shortly and have a great week!

Nick.

[RoseToez]

I think the psychologist was actually pretty good, it was my fault for trying to impress her maybe? Maybe I treated our sessions more like a job interview saying these were my downfalls and this is how far ive come now.. yes I have bipola but I deal with it well. Yes i was an addict but i quit the lot. Yes my kids father hasnt seen them for 6 weeks and will probably forget my toddlers 3rd birthday but I'm dealing okay (when I'm really not). I tend to find it easier to write how I'm really thinking rather then talking face to face with someone, I was always trying to impress my parents and still do. I think that might be a reason behind it. Maybe if I ask to see her again I could address my real issues. But then what if i do the exact same thing without realizing it until I've left. I tend to prepare my self for social situations and interactions and having an appointment with a psychologist does make it feel like a job interview.

[baet123]

Hey Rose,

My sincerest apologies for my late reply. Had my sister's engagement party yesterday and the last few days have been so so so busy!

It is encouraging that you are trying to think about reasons why things haven't worked in the past. With our health professionals, it is important not to try and impress them. Be yourself and act how you would and be yourself as that is your best bet.

Sorry to hear about your children's father. It is disappointing to hear that he is treating them that way and that it is really affecting your emotional well-being. I assume that a legal document/ruling stating that your children's father has to see them every xx amount of days or weeks right? Have you looked into this?

It would be a great idea to see that psychologist again now that you have a new outlook/perspective on things.

Please keep us posted and hope you have a great week.

Nick.

[RoseToez]

Thanks again for your reply. I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing I guess. Thanks for talking to me

[baet123]

Hi Rose,

It is always a pleasure replying back to you. Awesome display picture. Looks so cool!

Keep at it. It will get better. Pain and negative thoughts and emotions are temporary and the best is yet to come.

All the best,

Nick.