Bipolar, PTSD, Depression & Anxiety

[CurlyLamb]

Hi I knew here. I just need to chat with others who are in similar situations to myself.  

[Croix]

Dear Curlylamb~

I'd like to welcome you here to the Forum. There are certainly other people here with the sort of life you face and you will find them on looking around.

Actually as someone with PTSD, depression in bouts and anxiety I'm sure I could relate to some of the things you have to cope with,

Would you like to say a little more about your life and the problems you face?

As I do not have bipolar perhaps I can direct you to a thread where htere are many who have discussed this. It's called "This Bipolar Life" and you are welcome ot join in

Croix

[CurlyLamb]

I am an ex defence force member who was sexually abused on 2 different occasions causing part of my PTSD. I have also had my eldest son attempt suicide back in 2021 and I was the one who gound him unresponsive. I have recently had a marriage break up after 25 years of marriage and honestly did not see it coming. Whilst in hospital my ex took in a new partner causing me not to have a home and having to find somewhere to live alone.  I have recently lost my mum after several years of illness Nd have my dad in aged care quite unwell. I have 2 adult sons who live out of home.  Also being abused as a child by my grand father  puts me in the package of all the above.  I am still being treated through my amazing psychiatrist however feel very lonely and unsure about my future a lot of the time. 
I also suffer from Bipolar and am constantly trying to g to keep my mood level.  I’m on many medications, have had ECT in the past and TMS.  I have recently been told that I am treatment resistant and will be starting a new treatment late February.  I would love to hear from other females who have been in the defence force who also struggle with PTSD and depression.    Thank you.  

[indigo22]

Hello CurlyLamb,

I would also like to welcome you here and thank you for reaching out to us.

I am so sorry to hear about all of the traumatic events you have been through, I am amazed you are doing as well as you are.

Although I cannot relate to everything in your post, I can relate to some things, and it is those I am responding to.

I went through a very difficult time a few years ago having lost 3 members of my family to cancer and later discovering I had cancer myself (I am all good now). I have been dealing with dysthymia and major depression since my early teens (now in my 60s) and it progressed to chronic status during that time. With the passage of time, I am improving, no longer having ideation but realise that I may need to be on medication for the remainder of my years, or at least for the foreseeable future. Mental health issues can be the most difficult to resolve, particularly when there are so many layers. I am very glad to hear you have good support from your psychiatrist, finding the right person to help is half the battle.

I have also been through a marriage breakup many years ago and I understand how that can feel like another grieving period to go through. I am sorry to hear your partner had so little compassion for you after 25 years.

Finding your son unresponsive must have been extremely traumatic for you, I hope he is doing a lot better now.

You are dealing with such a lot and I want you to know we are here to support you. Please continue this conversation if you are comfortable doing so.

Take good care of yourself,

indigo

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

I'm ex defence force also. Are you aware if you spent one day as a member of the defence force you are entitled to free mental health care?  Its in the form of a white card or if you served in a war zone a gold card.

I have bipolar2 and know the difficulties of find the right meds and the right doses. Please persist with the ritual of finding it right for you because eventually you'll get it right and you wont want to adjust it at all after that. I rarely have any meltdowns now and mood is almost stable. 

My brother in 1978 took his own life as did my uncle in 2002. I attempted and so has my daughter. What I will comment on with these events is that we must continue to move forward and try not to dwell on them because dwelling in itself is very self destructive. My advice is to keep occupied with hobbies and interests, even barracking for a footy team and immersing yourself into those sort of interests can keep your mind away from the past.

Depression? its part of bipolar and it can be harrowing. Try not to fight it, instead wait for the mood change/cycle to go through its paces then as you pick up then motivate yourself. Too many times I've fought inside the depressive cycle only to find it was a waste of effort and caused me to lose my confidence.

It appears you have a lot on your plate atm. We have a saying here "take care" and it means what it says, time to relax and care for yourself. We are here daily every day so just post and wait for a reply.

PS thankyou for your service.

TonyWK

[smallwolf]

hello and welcome.

I do not fall into the groups/categories mentioned in your post... but I also wanted to say that,

I'm so sorry for everything you’ve been through. That’s an incredibly heavy load to carry, and it’s understandable that you’re feeling lonely and uncertain about the future.

It’s good to hear that you have an amazing psychiatrist and are continuing to seek treatment. You are not alone in this (see response from TonyWK), and I truly hope you find the connection and support you’re looking for.

Sending you strength and kindness.

Listening...