Re-introduction

[Cattitude]

I'm not exactly new here, I've been a member for several years now. I tend to drift away for periods, from everything. Now I feel the need to connect again. It doesn't help that I haven't had a proper psychiatrist in over a year (yay Canadian public health care system!)

 

I've been given a host of diagnoses, but the major ones that affect my life are Bipolar disorder, PTSD and Borderline Personality disorder. I'm also a recovering addict, almost 4 years sober now.

 

Right now I would classify myself as manic, busy all the time, can't sit still, short temper and can't focus on one thing at a time. I tend to get depressed during the winter, especially around Christmas. It's a major battle, struggling not to go off the deep end either emotionally or behaviourally. It's like riding a bucking bronco.

 

I'm an "animal person" and I have a little zoo at home. They are my family; my real family turned their backs on me years ago. So I have two dogs and four cats (two are Sphynx), a parrot and a ball python. They give me a reason to get up in the morning every day. In the past I've literally spent days in bed when extremely depressed.

 

I'm on long term disability right now but I'm hoping to go back to work eventually. Right now I'm not stable enough. I'm doing some part time volunteer work in an animal shelter as a first step.

[jt07]

Hi, Cattitude! Long time no see. I'm glad you are back.

[dancesintherain]

welcome back! good to see you again, though sorry you're struggling. congrats on your years of sobriety. ;-)

[olga]

Hi, Cattitude!   We're always happy to see old friends again, although I'm sorry to hear that you are going through a difficult period.  Is there anything that some of our Canadian members could do to help?  I don't know the system, but I bet some of our Canucks are familiar with the ins and outs and how to get in to see a pdoc.

 

Congrats on that long period of sobriety--very impressive!

 

olga