YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

I am 41 years old getting a divorce. I have been diagnosed with an yet to be defined mood disorder, if my psychiatrist had to label it it would be bi-polar.

Currently taking Lithium, Wellbutrin, Lamictal and ambian. Been in this combo for a while . Seems to have helped with a lot if the impulses to over eat, look at porn and gamble. The one vice I cant stop is boys will be boys type of binge drinking.

Currently fighting my way out of a bout with suicidal ideatoon. Still feel paralyzed about everything in life. Money, housing, relationships, transportation.


I lost 110 lbs in about 14 mos but has done almost nothing for my self-worth.

I need help. I need therapy but insurance is a joke. Maybe this forum can be my therapy.

Hi Tony -
Welcome from a fellow forum newbie.
Where do you live? There are usually low-/no-cost counseling centers in your area. The one I found near me definitely helped until I got insurance. (My counselor was in a PhD program.)

Hey tony,
Glad you joined!
This forum can be a great help, but it definitely isn't a substitute for actual, face-to-face therapy. (And psychiatrists aren't great therapists, imo) Look at no or low-cost options, as Stina suggested.

Obviously you are craving something, but it isn't money, sex or food. It's emotional.

That's about all I can tell you at this point. (I'm an emotional eater as well...it's complicated)

Good luck, buddy!

Thanks guys. Should have posted sooner but Internet access is limited to free wifi and spotty sprint 3G.

No doubt about craving something. I think I found it but can't keep my emotions, moods and headspace from fucking it up.

Its so hard when it should be so easy. I can't trust and I do everything in my power to sabotage the situation.