After we brought our children into our home, the stress started. I was on anti-depressants in college, but stopped taking them when I graduated. Bipolar disorder runs in my family, but I didn't think I had it.
The stress of an emotionally disturbed teen and his sister with oppositional defiant disorder, added to a job that I hated, working crazy hours - I finally broke down and talked to my doctor. He prescribed several anti-depressants (one after another) until I finally found one that worked for me. (Lexapro has HORRIBLE side effects - especially when you're trying to wean off of it -that doctor was WRONG!)
I also started EMDR therapy when I found that talk therapy just wasn't helping. My therapist suggested I try a med for bipolar disorder - it helps too.
Now I can handle my crazy life, and keep a smile on my face. I was able to find a job I like, I parent my kids calmly - without yelling at them. I still don't get enough sleep, but I am able to handle things without a big meltdown.
