Correcting Bad Behaviors

The symptoms of mental illness do not manifest themselves all at once. For example, before I was diagnosed as bipolar, there were warning signs. I remember perching myself on a window ledge nineteen floors above Greenwich Village. I had no intent to commit suicide. I wanted to scare my boyfriend in order to win the argument we were having. At the time, my boyfriend didn’t know what to do so he got my parents involved. They took me to their physician on Long Island. I told everyone I was having problems adjusting to law school. My parents went home after securing a promise I would complete my three years. The doctor recommended a mental health practice group in Greenwich Village. I made an initial appointment. I saw a man who sized up the situation completely and was not afraid to say so. I spent almost two decades running away from his words. That’s exactly what a borderline personality diagnosis looks like and he knew it right away.

When I compare who I was pre-diagnosis to who I am now, I see two different people. I have no idea why that particular boyfriend was willing to continue our relationship. Yet, he stuck by me throughout my recovery and is now my husband of thirty years. I’ve taught our children, now 16 and 18, not to tolerate that type of behavior from a partner. That is something for which a couple needs professional help.

Now I want to tell others that identifying and correcting bad behaviors is key to recovery. They can have a better ending … because I found one.

Let Me Speak - Daniel

My wife doesn't have patience with my father or sister, especially because their bipolar illness makes them irresponsible with money. But, she has been so awesome with me when I had depression on and off. I am so thankful for her support.

Let Me Speak - Cara

I have been on medication for postpartum as well as for anxiety ever since perimenopause started nine years ago. Medication helps me.

Let Me Speak - Melissa

My husband has an uncle who is currently being institutionalized for a combination of alcoholism and bipolar disorder. It's been a tough few weeks so far.

Let Me Speak - Natalie

My father and sister are bipolar, but are not being treated. My mother is doing the best she can as a caregiver, but they give her so much needless stress.

Let Me Speak - Emma

I have survivors guilt and I'm still processing moving forward in this new reality. I don't blame myself. I just miss her. But, I'm focusing on the good and rebuilding. Hopefully, I can help others along the way.

Let Me Speak - Marc

Honesty and sharing our stories...our truth, is the best way to remove the social stigma of any kind of depression. We are all struggling in our own ways. I always thought I was well versed in the signs. But after my brother suddenly died, even though I saw my girlfriend and was communicating with her...sending her love & support, I maybe missed some signs. I don’t know. In hindsight I see them. I go over and over in my head what I could have done or said differently. She was sounding so much better. And I was days away from seeing her again. When she sent me a video of her blowing me a kiss, I smiled and wrote something silly back to her. I didn’t know she was kissing me goodbye. I think about that a lot. I just don’t want what happened to her to happen to anyone else. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others.