More About zoomer
I mentioned how important family is to me. Friends are rare, few and far between. I haven't what it takes to maintain long, lasting friendships. My mom used to say I didn't put in the effort it takes to be a good friend.
I married my best friend in 1981. We lived in Portland together for 15yrs, abandoned in a park one day by my husband (we were homeless at the end), it took another 10years to get a divorce finalized. Today I am remaining single. My relationship with my partner is a friendship/roommate/boyfriend kind of thing. He, (R) is diagnosed with schizophrenia. We have been together for around 5-6 yrs. with one break while (R) went traveling for a year. This relationship I have with (R.) is the biggest challenge in my current affairs. Whew! A lot of topics for discussion come from my struggles within relationships. I've got Social AnxietyDisorder I'm told. I do have a difficult time with other people, however I am not aggressive. I am quiet and I am told I am considerate of others and kind.
I was diagnosed first with depression. Prozac sent me flying into an episode of mania like no other I had had. Mood Stabilizers came next. Lots of trial and error. What didn't work was Lithium, Depakote, and other less known ones. Lamictal is my current and I am happy with it. I take a lot of other medications too...anti-depressents, anti-psycotic, anti-anxiety, and others. My other diagnosis' along with bipolar are: PTSD, ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder and other labels, categories, fears and hang-ups....
Working part-time is a benefit to my mental health so far. I gain self-worth and self-respect for myself. I work for a company that is both flexible and accomidating. My direct supervisor is aware of my bipolar illness and works with me on scheduling and such. I realize I am very blessed. My work history is spotty and varied. I have worked a little here, a lot there and off/on. I have had a variety of work experience from Special Education Teacher to being a sick individual working the streets. Waitressing got me through college and some graduate study in education. I recieved a bachelors degree. I work now with those who are developmentally challenged. My work environment is the community itself. I like working. I haven't always been able to and my mental illness is the culprit.
I have a kitty named Isaiah kitty. He is an indoor cat who loves to play. He is always here to greet me when I come home. Doesn't seem to purr much but runs and jumps and plays with me all the time. He is a good boy. Of course that is his picture.
Update: I have another kitty. His name is Tobias. I call him Toby. He comes from a long line of feral cats. He has 'Wild' in his blood.! My roommate told him when he was little that we were going to send him back to Sing-Sing. funny.
Isaiah and Toby are good together.
