Bipolar Facebook?

I am so excited! After hours of searching for a good chat/support group I stumbled into the Bipolar version of Facebook!!! Actually they have support groups for anything from medical problems to raising children. I joined MD Junction only last night and have already shared bipolar jokes with a lady in Florida, gotten answers to some questions from a lady in Canada and gotten "hugged" (better than "poked") by a girl in California. No one knows how deep the rabbit hole goes in the mind of someone struggling with BP and thus, there are things only a person with BP can understand.
I try to "fake it" every day because I have come to the realization people only want to be around when you are at your best. I am pretty good at putting on a front by taking on more than I can handle such as coaching soccer, being in charge of a huge church activity, planning a birthday party for my favorite 5 year old, putting in extra hours at work etc......but sometimes I need to just tell someone I feel like crap and have them understand without judgement. Now I have an answer. YAY!!!!

Totally unrelated....GO UTES!!! Saturday's game was enough to turn any frown upside down. Well, unless you are a BYU fan. You are probably  feeling a little extra blue these days. But I still love all my Y friends. I actually wish it had been a better game.

What helps and what hurts....

When someone is struggling with manic or depressive episodes you probably want to help, but what do you say? Here are some suggestions from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
WHAT HELPS:
I know you have a real illness and that's what causes you to have these thoughts and feelings.
I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel but I care about you and just want to help.
 You are important to me. Your life is important to me.
Tell me what I can do now to help you.
You might not believe it now, but the way you feel will change.
You are not alone in this. I am here for you.
Talk to me. I am listening.

WHAT HURTS:
It's all in your head.
We all go through times like this.
You have so much to live for-why do you want to die?
What do you want me to do? I can't change the situation.
Just snap out of it. Look at the bright side.
You will be fine. Stop worrying.
Here's my advice...

I think I will have Mike post more on supporting a bipolar spouse. He has been nothing but supportive and I am sure it hasn't been easy for him.

Thank You!!!

I simply have to post to thank everyone for all of your support. I don't know why I felt so compelled to share my story but I am glad I did. I appreciate all the love from everyone. There will probably always be a stigma around mental illness but the more we all learn, the quicker that will go away. And Tom, glad you found it entertaining. LOL Just wait for the funny hospital story I have coming up......