Dear CityGirl and all who have expressed concern because of my posted poem "September pales".
I am better this year than I have been for many, many years. For years I had been in debilitating depression, which remained unsuccessfully treated due to the severity of my bipolar disease, and the manic danger.
At this time (October 07) I am very much better, for many reasons. We have now a new treatment modality which is working quite well. I have the devoted support of my husband, two grown sons and their girlfriends, as well as my extended family. I have a fabulous Psychiatrist who closely monitors everything, including any suicidal ideation. We have developed an exceptionally high level of rapport for each other and she trusts me to seek help when I am losing control. (For instance, I arrived one night last winter at the Emerg because I did not consider myself at that time.)
I have a very high level of insight into the disease, as it manifests itself in me. I have largely accepted it and have learned many coping exercises, working out, yoga, yoga therapy, meditation, talk therapy, listening to music, completely cacooning for a day or two, and writing. I am fine. The poem simply reflects what I feel and perhaps it resonates with other people who are as ill as I am.
Remember the many highly talented writers who were ill with bipolar. Ernest Hemmingway, for instance.
Thank you all for your concern.
I would not have been able to write that poem last year because any capacity I had was paralyzed.
Bipolar disease is very soulful. Think of all those who have suffered and written about their experiences. Jimmy Hendrix, for instance with the lyrics "Manic Depression.
Sincerely Kate
