Replies to 'Bipolar Disorder'

Hi, you who need help.  I'm on the run but I would like to reply more later.  I can relate to pretty much everything you're going through.  I'm 58 and have been through most of it.  I'm a layperson and still in the process of working things out for myself, but making myself my full-time job is working well.  I would like to offer one word of advice based on what I learned.  Something in you appears needy, still.  I went through something just as devastating.  When my daughter was 3, I lost her.  Not because I was unfit, but I was found to be a "self-martyring, self-deprecating weakling" and it was determined I was going to end up in an institution.  It didn't work.  But don't stay for the boys, and you are better than you realize.  You have a degree and you can use it.  I would say get couselling with Dave.  Something in you is needy, and you are allowing yourself to focus on the opinion of others rather than examine yourself and your value.  Believe me, if you allow them to determine how you feel about yourself, you're in trouble.  As for staying for the children, they know it.  You all deserve better.  As for the custody, let me tell you how mine ended.  I never put my child's father down, but I stayed and fought as well as I could.  I lost time with her, too much time, but I survived it.  She came back into my life when she was 17, after she found she had been being lied to for ages.  I now have her in my life, as well as a wonderful son-in-law and two beautiful grandchildren.  We have great love and respect for each other and a wonderfully open relationship.  She has not seen her father in 16 years and doesn't feel the need to.  Just hang in and get professional help if you need it.  But don't give up.  There's a beautiful world out there if you get a handle on it.  I'd like to write more later if I may.  I must leave for now.  Good luck and God bless.  Hang in, girl!