Money Management

I had filed during my first marriage because of my first husband buying fast cars and $1,000 tires when I did without for eight years. After this divorce I was just trying to make it...job, raising a child without child support after two years of him paying me off and on(then I said the heck with it)...working at a factory job after this divorce and around an atmosphere that I had not experienced being sheltered growing up I had enough and my son was not happy in the city he went to live with his Dad who was a jerk to him unless it has to do with money. After this I just did not care anymore...marrying again a guy opposite of my exhusband he was a good person but my son and his fought all the time so I left...diagnosed with bipolar after this...Yes I give money away if I have it to help others, I buy things and then give them away...I would rather be this way than the way my son's Dad was...mean, greedy, selfish, and abusive....Call me what you may, call me bipolar for filing bankruptcy twice...during a third marriage to a guy with PTSD-ex infantry-exgulf war veteran-and child abuse as a kid...I have a good heart and just had gotten ran over growing up sheltered all my life...This diagnosis I feel is not accurate. I trusted the wrong people, if Brett's Dad had been a good guy and not cheated lied etc...or the other ones were good and did not lie to me I would not be in the shape I am. It is a chance just like life is a chance...sometimes you win and sometimes you loose...my friends growing up still are together have a house etc...I gambled and I lost...this is how I see it...guess I am still in denial about being bipolar...guess I am still fighting...isnt this what a soldier is all about...that is what I was for a bit before I had gotten hurt...fight for what is right...this label stinks and since the government put this on my head I cant shake it....this just su...cks

Kathy

Thanks for your comments, Kathy and Jon. 

Kathy, I know you're hurting now and angry about being diagnosed bipolar.  I wasn't diagnosed until my late forties, and when I heard it, it explained so many things in my life.

But being bipolar doesn't mean you can't have a good, productive life.  I do and many of my bipolar friends do also.  The first step is acknowledging you have a problem, and then getting good help to find solutions.  A trusted psychiatrist or therapist is a good place to start.

It often takes a while to find the right combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes--whatever you require--but taking steps to manage your life now will mean so much to you and your son in the future. 

I have a daughter, and it wasn't easy for her having a bipolar mom, but we are very close now and she is doing great.  I also have two wonderful grandchildren. 

So hang in there and get some help.

Lynne

Money is where my brain switches off.  I am dealing with another spread of bounced checks as I write this.  My  husband flies off the handle everytime this happens. 

With therapy, I am learning to let my husband help me.  I will also be seeing a financial counselor this week.  Eventually, this will be under control.  However, right now, I am mentally banging my head against a wall. 

Hi Mighty1,

The important thing is that you recognize the problem and are getting help.  It's really important to realize what we can and can't control in our lives, and what steps to take to let others help us with that.

Good luck!

Lynne