Almost Empty Nest

[goldeylox]

I'm back after a long time away from the boards. Been a couple of years, but I still recognize a few faces.

Hi, I'm Goldey, and I'm co-dependent. Just thought I'd get that out of the way. On the plus side, I'm smart and funny, and a loyal friend. Too loyal, sometimes. Thus, the co-dependency.

Over the last couple of years, I've experienced tremendous growth, thanks in large part to a supportive family of origin who recognized my bizarre behaviors as mental illness. They intervened, and I got the hospitalization, medication, and therapy needed to stabilize. Now, I am finally in a place where I can work with H on the issues in the marriage, namely the years of emotional and verbal abuse. I have a great IC, we have a very capable MC, and there is a spirit of cooperation that did not exist in the past.

It's not always pretty. The kids have had to watch it all, even my crazy manic episodes. Thank God, they are resilient. I've burned bridges with some dear friends. Mental illness is scary for some people. I've made new friends, who accept me for the new me.

The biggest change is that I am no longer able to work. At least, not right now. My recovery is time-consuming...attending support group, counseling, reading, managing the house as well as my stress levels. I sleep a lot more than I used to.

One thing I learned on the boards when I arrived, was that saving myself was my first priority. And that happened. Thanks DB'ers. love, Goldey