I joined this forum on the suggestion of a very dear friend who said I would find intelligent conversation here and not the negativity and "b!tch, moan, and complain" attitude that I find so often.
As for the basics, I am 41 years old, I am a mother to a three year old daughter and a five year old son. I have full custody of both children. I am qualified to contribute on this board in various ways: I have a diagnosis of recurrent major depression, BPD (which I'm happy to say is fairly controlled these days), I'm in recovery from prescription drug abuse, I'm a survivor of domestic violence and I recently was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
I have had recurrent major depression find me at various times in my life since I was sixteen years old. I have gotten very good at recognizing the symptoms of a slide in that direction and don't usually find myself all the way into the dregs of a full blown depression anymore as I am able to get the needed help before that happens.
The BPD which was so evident in my 20's and early 30's has become fairly tame as I have learned coping skills through DBT and just lessons in life.
I have 2 years clean time today as a matter of fact from the abuse of prescription painkillers such as opiates and barbituates. I no longer use these. I still have migraines, but I make do with OTC help of Excedrin, since triptan drugs give me side effects.
My ex-husband was an abuser, mostly using emotional and psychological means over the physical ways of abuse. He was also physically abusive to the children, thus I have the full custody and he has supervised visitations.
I was just diagnosed recently with fibromyalgia. I'm learning to make some adjustments, but I'm certainly not going to let this define me. I'm looking for ways to make my life easier and better with this syndrome.
I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning what I can!!
Cathy
As for the basics, I am 41 years old, I am a mother to a three year old daughter and a five year old son. I have full custody of both children. I am qualified to contribute on this board in various ways: I have a diagnosis of recurrent major depression, BPD (which I'm happy to say is fairly controlled these days), I'm in recovery from prescription drug abuse, I'm a survivor of domestic violence and I recently was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
I have had recurrent major depression find me at various times in my life since I was sixteen years old. I have gotten very good at recognizing the symptoms of a slide in that direction and don't usually find myself all the way into the dregs of a full blown depression anymore as I am able to get the needed help before that happens.
The BPD which was so evident in my 20's and early 30's has become fairly tame as I have learned coping skills through DBT and just lessons in life.
I have 2 years clean time today as a matter of fact from the abuse of prescription painkillers such as opiates and barbituates. I no longer use these. I still have migraines, but I make do with OTC help of Excedrin, since triptan drugs give me side effects.
My ex-husband was an abuser, mostly using emotional and psychological means over the physical ways of abuse. He was also physically abusive to the children, thus I have the full custody and he has supervised visitations.
I was just diagnosed recently with fibromyalgia. I'm learning to make some adjustments, but I'm certainly not going to let this define me. I'm looking for ways to make my life easier and better with this syndrome.
I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning what I can!!
Cathy
