Category: Family
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Thoughts Intrude
Originally posted May 3, 2015. Now a year older. Not hypomanic or irritable. Just exhausted, for good reason (too much responsibility on my shoulders weighing me down). Did a good bit of free-writing at OC Writers write-in yesterday. Plan to salvage some of it, to edit and post here, to edit and submit elsewhere. Primary…
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Brain Dead
All three of us – my son, my husband and me – are sick with a virus of some sort – flu, perhaps. Exhaustion I already felt now worsened by deep fatigue achy muscles, nausea, and headache. My brain just is not working. Pulling up the wrong words. Not able to construct thoughts. Still, took…
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Friday Was Tough
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V4YKeq88Qg&w=560&h=315] Note I’ve received feedback that my delivery in this video is too clinical and offputting. Forgive me. I’m trained as a psychotherapist. No doubt I use my training and jargon not just to understand, but to defend myself, to distance myself. Plus, I just like big words. Edited Transcript – “Ums” Removed Yesterday was…
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What If I Don't Blog About Bipolar?
Recently I’ve been blogging about caregiving and about exhaustion more than about living with bipolar disorder. That said, obviously coping with major life events, such as taking on the role of caregiver of two parents struggling with dementia, is a HUGE stressor and potential trigger for mood cycling. Cocooning in bed right now. Treated myself…
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Happy Anniversary
My husband and I have been married for 19 years, together for 22. Marriage is not always easy. We’ve weathered hard times. Well worth it. He has my back. Life is hard. Living with a mental illness makes it even more challenging. Helps to have someone there for emotional and physical support, someone to make sure we…
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Caregiver’s Bill of Rights
National Aphasia Association Caregiver’s Bill of Rights I have the right to take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness. It will give me the ability to take better care of my loved one. I have the right to seek help from others even though my loved one may object. I recognize…
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Early Dating Dialogue
Setting: Southern California beach town. Newly dating couple on a casual date. Female Protagonist: 31 year-old female former psychotherapist recently moved back with parents after a mental breakdown, now working as a temporary file clerk. Male Protagonist: 35 year-old male civil engineer, highly strung as are many engineers. Recently relocated to Southern California for engineering…
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Mother's Day Guilt
Journal – Saturday, May 7, 2016 So here I am once again typing. Still fatigued. In bed. Nick is gathering laundry. I’m lucky to have a husband who will do laundry. Looking forward to a simple breakfast of Cheerios and banana and a strong cup of coffee. Nick’s going to make me breakfast and coffee…