Patches222
Patches222
Sex: F
Data Quality: 0 stars
Bipolar I
Depression: 1
Mania: 0
Emotional: 1
Anxiety: 1
Compulsion: 0
External Stress: None
Rx Therapy
51 F
Function: High
Distress: Low
Patches222
Female, 51 years
Alpharetta, GA
Primary Condition
Bipolar I and 5 more ▼
First symptom
Jul 2000
Diagnosis
Jul 2003

About Patches222

Dear Friends, I have bipolar disorder. I was diagnosed in 2000. I have had both manic episodes, as well as, depressive episodes. What I've come to realize is I was emotionally abused as a child by my mother. The abuse continued until I was 47 years old and I have now cut all communication off from her and my father. After years of therapy, all of my doctors, therapists, as well as, a lawyer have advised me... absolutely no contact with your family members. Mother is Toxic. If you have any advice or thoughts, I would love to hear fro0m you. Patches222

Profile Activity
4974 Views
Member since: Nov 05, 2008 Last Login May 11, 2011

Other Conditions

  1. ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
    First symptom
    Diagnosis
  2. Bipolar II Disorder
    First symptom
    Diagnosis
    ?
  3. Major Depressive Disorder
    First symptom
    Diagnosis
  4. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
    First symptom
    Diagnosis
  5. Tobacco Addiction
    First symptom
    Diagnosis
    ?

More About Patches222

I was diagnosed with bipolar I, about 8 years ago. I have been hospitalized in 5 hospitals accross the country. TX, WV, SC, GA, NC and WV So I'm very familiar with the manic/depression side of this illness.

I hear voices and have been shown visions through out my life. I've seen and felt things that "normal" people never will. So I feel very fortunate for my experiences. I would never want to be normal if I could'nt hear the angels anymore. Normal is relative.

I come from a family who moved to 17 states while growing up. My family thought the most important thing was to climb the corporate ladder. So we moved every year and half. My mother was very young when she had me and never bonded with me and was resentful of my very existence. The abuse started very young and continued until finally at 47 years old I have "CUT" all communication. Mainly for self-preservation, as well as advisement from every professional I have ever talked to.

I have been reading a lot lately about abusive parents and although it brings up painful memories, I'm in hopes that it will make me stronger. The emotions I felt as a child were repressed as I was not allowed to express anger, sadness, hurt or any emotions which my mother found unexceptable. In addition, everything in my family was a secret and if those secrets were revealed then the abuse was even worse.

I am a survivor and I have to remember that but the emotional scarring has left me scared for life. I'm still learning my triggers with the help of books and therapy, but it's a long slow road.

If you have any advice or would like to talk, please feel free to contact me.

Good luck and keep trying.

Patches222