Dear Everyone,

I was overwhelmed with your postings of support, even from those few who I have not met before. It really means a lot to me to know that I have friends who are here for me and although I am more erratic in my postings compared to last year I still think often of some of the people that I have met here.

As a quick update to keep you all in the picture I have seen my consultant pdoc again and having been here for 3 weeks already he thinks it is prudent to keep me for another 4-5 weeks I am a little sad at that but also I am feeling relaxed knowing that I am in safe hands in a safe environment for a while. The therapy sessions take it out of you a bit and sometimes they hit on nerves that you didn't know were there. I have learnt a lot but not how to deal with my emotions effectively yet. They want to treat me for PTSD as soon as I am able which I am longing to do and get out the way, I am not sure if some of you remember a post from last year but it is to do with that incident.

Anyway I will keep in touch with you all when I can and many thanks again for all your wonderful words of support!

Boxer

Wonderful to hear such a positive report from you Boxer and it sounds like you are in very good hands. Stay strong and remember that talking heals us.
Warm hugs.

So glad to hear you say this this morning.
((((HUGS))))
bizi

I am so encouraged to read your update Boxer!
Even tho it may be hard to have to stay there for a longer time, yet it will hopefully have very positive results for you.

your new friend
Cheri

you do have people who care boxer.

and boy was this good news today. i was very encouraged by you using the word yet..in regards to getting help dealing with your emotions. baby steps. it will all help you heal. they don't want to rush you or overload you.

post when you can. just know that we will be here for you.

another new firend.
Curious

Hi all,

Again thanks for all your support. I am facing a pretty lonely week-end as a lot of the inpatients go on weekend release to their families and others have people visiting over the weekend. Unfortunately I am not so lucky this time and it will be a long drag through the weekend I fear to Monday. I must say that I am extremely lucky to be in such a good hospital which is being paid for by my PMI! Thank heavens for that as the alternative with the NHS would not be anywhere near the level of care that I am receiving here. I had a one to one counselling session this afternoon which was quite productive in identifying a lot of areas where I have had problems coping. I am hopeful that they will be able to arm me with better coping skills which will help to counteract some of the devastating lows and to recognise when I am getting manic slightly. The drugs should stabilise a lot of it, I am now on
Lamictal 250mg
Lithium 1000mg
Zeldox 40mg
Xanax 1.5mg
Sleeping tablets and huge fish oil tablets. The omega 3 oils are vital in helping to stabilise the mood apparently.

Oh well must go again but thanks for all your support and I am sorry I am not posting anywhere else at the moment but I really have to focus on myself at the moment before I can support or help others.

Boxer

Well Boxer, if they're all away you can have use of the computer more!

We'll all keep you company. I'm so glad you had a good one on one session.

Can't help you with the drug info but I know that it takes time....more hugs!!

I am sorry you are going to have to spend a lonely weekend...maybe you could post stream of consciousness posts on the board this weekend and we could respond. Don't worry about only being able to focus on yourself. That is a real sign of health. I bet it makes a lot of us happy. You can't take care of anybody else til you take care of yourself.
Fish oil is good for so many things. I was taking it and guess I better force myself to start taking it again. Sometimes it takes so much energy to take pills....
Are they doing any art therapy with you to help express your emotions? I am so glad the hospital worked out for you. Way to go
Keep the faith...This was probably good in the long run because you survived and probably some key issues will be dealt with and watch signs for danger signals will probably be discussed. Bipolar is so insidious. I have to learn to respect it more and deep down realize that the symptoms don't go away.
Bobby

AMEN - ditto to all said.

Hang in there, sending many prayer's and a angel on your shoulder to guide you.

Hugs, Nikko

Hi, Boxer,
I guess the groups and such slow down/stop on the weekends and you are left to your own devices.

Do you journal? Can you occupy yourself with drawing or something?

I remember when I was in the hospital I was in a complete fog and couldn't manage to do very much.

You sound very "together." Stay on the path to wellness. I am pulling for you.

Mari