Triumph - and the Letdown

Thank you, Amy T. I appreciate your kind words - they're not silly at all. I needed the reminder.

Thanks so much, Otterlo. It has continued to be a difficult week, but after 4 days of depression, worse each day, it is starting to lift. Trying to just take today as it comes. Part of the relief of diagnosis and knowledge is that now I have my feelings in better perspective; I know they can get overblown, and I have better tools for dealing with it and learning patience. So while the depression was miserable, this time I was maybe a little bit better about not looking ahead and seeing only doom. A little.

I'm sorry you struggle with depression too - I hope that you have found resources there for support. Every person is different and benefits from different things. But I'm lucky and glad that I have group each week, and therapy every few weeks. It has been invaluable to hear other people's stories of depression and bipolar, and talk if I need to. 

I hope you are well.

Oh, I'm so glad this was helpful to you. Every person is different but I hope that the person you support is on a good path towards wellness. There is hope! There are more and more resources out there as more is understood about the bipolar spectrum.

Myself, I'm finding that I tend to rapid cycle...depression has now lifted (thanks for your well wishes, btw) and now I've been repeating to myself, "Whoa there, missy..." :)  I'm thinking that going overboard with the party has kicked off the pendulum again, but it's slowing down already.

Early recognition of the signs of elevation and over-stimulation is huge. It's a big switch to slow yourself down at those signs, when all your life you've answered to them, enjoyed them, making up for the doldrums of depression suffered more often than not. I'm thankful that I've been given the motivation (fear, love of my family, and finally, truly loving myself) to work on making the change.

Yeah - girlfriends are the best. :)