Most weeks, Friday mornings are at the top of the list of what I look forward to...a new episode of Mental Illness Happy Hour. It has been this way for years now. (Maybe MIHH should be dropped on Sundays)
My mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 60 years old. She is in assisted living due to her mental health and cognitive challenges. I am her medical power of attorney, and it seems, her everything else.
My husband of 20 years has borderline personality disorder, PTSD, and is addicted to multiple prescription medication (for pain and sleep). He is a veteran with multiple deployments and was emotionally and physically abused as a child. Thinking back, he showed borderline traits long before he ever deployed, so this time, I think the VA is not misdiagnosing.
My son is 15 years old and recently diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, but that was a "generous" diagnosis. I sense OCD and personality disorder in him. He is highly intelligent but failing school.
Me, I am the martyr ...but also faced panic disorder in my 20s and now in my 40s, am fueled by stress and "counseling" and supporting my loved ones it seems. I flirt with boundaries but don't maintain them. From listening to this podcast, I know there must be much more, but my focus is on others. My brain tells me that this approach does not work, is self-defeating, but I have not discovered what is driving it.
I suppose I am introducing and defining myself by labeling everyone around me. I guess that says a lot!
I love this podcast and community.
