Cadenza Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 Hi, my name is Bethany, I am 19 years old and am a resident of some city in Florida (I don't know how specific we can be on here, but I don't mind if people know the city? Anyway). Up until the beginning of April, I was a student at the University of West Florida, but had to move back home due to a medical withdrawal. The people in the theatre department, coupled with my noncompliance with medication and therapy, drove me to an almost tenth baker act. Right now, I am considering keeping my major as BA Theatre, but transferring to Florida State University. What brings me here, though? I was diagnosed at 17 as having Bipolar I, PTSD from childhood trauma, OCD, and generalized anxiety. My dad has Bipolar I, as well, and spent a year in residential treatment for it. I was around 10 or 11 years old and vowed never to be like him (although do not get me wrong - on medications, he is the best father I could ever ask for). I did follow in his footsteps. Ironically, though, it lifts me up more than it brings me down. In fact, I have been a member of the DBSA (Depression-Bipolar Support Alliance) and My Life, which is a youth organization that aims to fight the stigma of mental illness and a wide variety of other problems. I have spoken on more than one occasions at the Florida Capitol, in recreation facilities, foster care homes, etc. Recovery International contacted me last fall to do something on their behalf, yet I decided that school was a thing and I should probably go to that instead. I love to advocate. I love to help people. I don't want this post to be too lengthy, so I will stop right now. I am so glad to have found this place and I look forward to participating in a forum again! Thank you for reading. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt07 Posted April 10, 2014 Share Posted April 10, 2014 Hi and welcome! I don't have bipolar, but I know what it's like to struggle with MI in school. I made it though, and you can too. I think it's admirable that you like to help people. We're glad you found us. Pull up a chair and join in. I'm looking forward to your posts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amialone48 Posted April 10, 2014 Share Posted April 10, 2014 Welcome to CrazyBoards, Bethany! I am relatively new here as well, and I have found it to be a nice and supportive place to be; I hope you'll find it the same way. It's really cool that you're so active in advocacy work. I've thought about joining a local DBSA group. What are they like, if you don't mind me asking? What sorts of things to y'all do? Are they more like support groups or activist groups? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
writehellarandomshiny Posted April 11, 2014 Share Posted April 11, 2014 Welcome! I hope you enjoy your stay here. CB has been great in my recovery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiaB Posted April 11, 2014 Share Posted April 11, 2014 Welcome - glad to have you join us! We routinely ask new members to read our user agreement, so please would you take a few minutes to do that (if you haven't already). See you on the boards! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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