7th Feature Story: Stormy’s Battle with bipolar disorder, MPD, and Fibromyalgia

Hi my name is Stormy and I am 47 years old. I was diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) at the age of 30. Six years ago I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I see a therapist twice a month for the MPD and bipolar disorder.  I also have group therapy that my therapist coordinates. It’s different for me with having two different diagnoses going on. The bipolar disorder acts differently on the different alters.

I have a good support system because the group is for people with bipolar disorder and their family. They do know that I’m also MPD and accept it.

My husband is my main supporter and is always there for me no matter what.

My illness does take a toll on him when I’m manic though. I’ve just came out of a manic attack. My husband watched me like a hawk and gave me extra Depakote when needed.

I don’t work. I just can’t do it right now. My therapist is also against me working at this time. She suggests that I work on doing my crafts instead. Doing crafts seems to help settle me down when I’m manic or depressed.

I belong to several face book groups that help also including “Healing Hearts with Mental Illness & The ones they Love” and “Curing Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia”

I also have fibromyalgia, although it’s not a mental illness, it causes pain and sleepiness. When added to the depression, nothing gets done.  I don’t do any cleaning of the house, cooking, or personal hygiene. I don’t do anything except suffer through the pain and take pain killers.  I also have had thoughts of suicide.

That is my hardest part of my illnesses. I think that my husband would be better off without me and get suicidal.

Talking to someone that understands what I’m going through helps.  Sometimes, I just need a shoulder to cry on.