Cathy (Sept. 2008)
I am a new member to BiPolar Connect.com, and thought this would be a great place to connect with other people with BPD in their lives, hopefully make some friends and find a supportive community.
I was diagnosed with BPD last month, although I suspected that I'd had it for years. In the past when I tried to communicate that I thought I was BiPolar, to loved ones & close friends, no one believed me. It was very confusing and frustrating. I put too much faith into their opinions (after all, they've known me for many years). So, I suffered in silence. (Sometimes, not so silent! 
haha) One 'friend' became impatient with my depression and dropped our friendship. I was "too much of a bummer," she said.
I've never had a hard time making friends, but I did have to learn to 'keep things inside' so that I didn't lean too heavily on anyone. Now, I am no longer in touch with any of those kinds of 'friends'. What a relief!
The people in my life now are carefully selected, because I know that my BPD makes me vulnerable at times. They are supportive and I don't 'need' to hide things inside, anymore.
I just started Abilify this week and have some questions; Since the drug is used to lessen the chance of manic episodes, will it send me into depression, or is it more of a mood stabilizer? (which is what I need)
Does anyone have any experience with Abilify and if so, how did/does it work for you? Any bothersome side effects? I've experienced the fatigue and abdominal pain, but I have a mystery abdominal pain syndrome anyway...so not sure if the drug is making it worse, or if it is just my pre-existing condition.
Any answers are appreciated - thank you!
Feel free to visit my profile here at BP Connect, and my other websites; www.myspace.com/lifeontheisland, and www.youtube.com/lifeontheisland to learn more about me. I have a few great videos on YouTube, and my MySpace page has a lot of info about me as well as lots of pictures of my family, pets, artwork and photgraphy. I'd love to make some friends here!
