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

The 33 year-old research biologist shares about her narcolepsy, PTSD, cataplexy, hypnogogic hallucinations, codependency and life with a partner with bipolar.

http://mentalpod.com/archives/4047

Paul Gilmartin is a brilliant podcast producer and comedian who is revolutionizing the world by humanizing mental health issues. He does, however, have poor taste in tea. Earl gray is amazing!

I am curious if Anna would share what, if any medication she takes to control her narcolepsy. I am 29, recently diagnosed after years of confusion, and I'm having trouble finding a medication that works.Thank you.

As the guest was explaining her co dependence it was like a light bulb went off and I realized that it was a huge part of my personality -

It is nearly 100% of the energy I put into all things I do...

My inner monologue is if I could just be who they needed me to be - I just need to act more of what they need - I just need to fulfill their needs more -

I do not think in 38 years I have asked myself what I need - when someone does ask me the idea is so foreign I can't even find what corridor in my mind to go down to look for an answer - I just stare back dumbfounded like the idea of me having needs and desires is asonine

and it hit me how entirely unhealthy this way of living is - its like I was hit up the side of my head with ideas - but about me -
but I still have no real ideas about how I feel about most things and I don't really know what needs I have - but at least now I am thinking that it might be cool to have needs and feelings of my own someday.

THank you so much for this episode...

It was a breakthrough