ms manic...I was running hypomanic and drinking quite a bit. Don't know what came first the hypo or the drinking caused it but am feeling much more in control of things and glad for weight loss. IT is so easy to turn to the bottle when we are depressed. be careful and take care of yourself. At night, I have switched to healthy herbal teas and using stevia to sweeten them up. Plus I have been drinking sugarfree french vanilla instant coffee that is decafinated and I like that something to comfort me and I am such an oral person. I snack on almonds and dried mango slices, occasionally I chew gum but end up biting my inner lip for it so that is not often. I enjoy my coffee in the mornings though!
I too am almost 50 this january 1st. am self employed so work when I can and take a day off when I need it. which is not very often sometimes I can't get out of bed in the mornings so will skip my first client, calling them of course to reschedule. I usually only see 3-4 people a day, and my paper work is minimal so my stress is low and I am my own boss. have been doing this for 14 years. Don't think I could ever have a regular nursing job again, or a boss for that matter.
glad that you found us...keep posting.
bizi