Hi @SoS
good job starting a thread - it's a nice way to keep all your updates about your situation and particular struggles in one spot - I kind of use mine a bit like an online diary sometimes - massive difference is the community responds when they can and it's always supportive
my partner is always anxious and depressed and a few times a year will have a hypomanic episode where she rapid cycles between hypomania and deep depression within day - it deteriorates into loss of cognitive and motor function and can be quite frightening at times. The hope part would be that each time we get better at spotting the signs an episode is starting and sometimes just sometimes we can avert a prolonged episode with calming responses lifestyle wise and sometimes medication dosage changes as well ... other times best I can hope for is that we go through it with support from best psychiatrist we have been able to access , a trauma therapist and we are just toying with adding a psychologist ... also for me I have the forum community here, the Sane phone helpline and I also have a therapist/counsellor for when I need it ... the hope is that through education with organisations like Sane and support from educated like minded folk in this community you have more of a chance Of getting through each day with hope of the next appointment , the next phone call, the next online exchange ...
I had so many years in isolation where I hid my partners condition from everyone in my life .. I've only just started reaching out when she hit clinic land and inpatient land a few years ago now - I realised I couldn't do this alone and that I didn't have to
the hope for me is the human spirit of so many beautiful kind empathetic men and women in this forum who take the time to read and respond each week - there is always a time lag as people log in different days of the week - and when you need help immediately there are always moderators who can point you in the right direction
for me dealing with bipolar depression anxiety ptsd in my partner I have myself found depression and anxiety eventually crept their way into my psyche after 20+ years of being a caregiver - so self care is a huge priority and a constant learning curve - if I don't look after myself I'm no good for anyone let alone my partner or my job 😬
sorry rambling a bit now - happy to answer any questions or hear more of your story when you have energy to share - no rush - we are not going anywhere - in fact I have seen many of the same carers on this forum for over 6years ! So when I say no rush I mean it ... be kind and gentle to yourself and self care is number 1 - so rest up and check out some of the social spaces too for some light relief and positive energy --- Hot Chocolate Anyone ? Is a good one and has posts most days - I'll tag you in a couple of others I like too where I tend to look and comment every now and then .. keep an eye on your notifications 🤗 and feel feee to just read and lurk or like or contribute - it's all good and you will feel different on different days - no judgement - just support in whatever that means for you on the day !
Im not sure who else on the forum deals with schizophrenia bipolar in tandem as far as caring goes - @Former-Member is this something you can help out Sos with by tagging a few folk who may be more able to connect with this unique combo ?
