My mom is being an asshole about my bipolar/anxiety.

[lightningandsnow]

Not that this is anything new.

She's saying, because I'm "high-functioning", she will only support me going to therapy one hour a week. I'm expected to work full time over the summer (in addition to the course I'll probably have to take over the summer) and go to school full time come September.

She also maintains that I'm not "chronically ill" and my issues are new (despite the fact that she used to scold me for being depressed at the age of 10-13, and I've had pretty bad anxiety for as long as I remember.)

Maybe I should show her my self-injury scars next time I'm home. Because, of course, it's totally high-functioning to have scarring from self-injury that's so bad that it's clearly visible to others if I don't put heavy concealer over it.

[Iggo]

1. Your mom's your doctor?

You need to change doctors.

[Lil Missy]

2. What would you be doing this summer if not working full time? Idle time is not good for

depression or anxiety.

When I was 23, I worked full time, took 2 summer classes, and still managed to get pregnant!! :o

[Dora]

3. Perspective

She's going to pay for one hour of talk therapy per week. That's not minimal.

I get the impression you expect or want something more. I have a friend who had positive things to say about her experience in bipolar group therapy. Perhaps you could try something like that as a supplement to the individual therapy. And working 30 hours a week would allow you the room for multiple counseling appointments, while giving you something else to occupy your thoughts besides the ones that drive you to do things that aren't good for you - like cutting.

If you're disabled by your illness, you could apply for social security. The same friend did receive temporary benefits. However, she had to give up a lot. It made her dependent upon her soon-to-be ex husband, as he was the designated recipient of the checks on her behalf (and he manipulated the situation). You would also need one, making you dependent on them.

I applaud you for wanting to work on yourself. The path of self-inquiry is sometimes uncomfortable - do keep going.

[momto3]

4. I was thinking of you today.

Did you get the issues with your meds figured out? the last I remember you were not happy with the dose the psychiatrist had you on.

As mentioned by a previous poster, at least your mother is willing to support some therapy. And one hour a week is not small. Also, keeping busy over the summer may be the best thing for combating your moods. I know that this is what works best for me. Of course, the tough part is forcing myself to get up and out.

Just please keep with the therapy and keep trying to find the path to wellness.

:hug:

Tracy

[Bennyboy]

5. Try a peer counseling thing....

they saved my life a few years back and I could really go to them now. Free, and not like therapy. But more like therapy that works.