New here and needy

[Sophiegirl]

I've been reading this forum for some time.

I was diagnosed with hypomania about two years ago. Meds have helped, but not always. I had a real breakdown. The first time ever that I had thoughts of self-harm. I wound up spend 3 days in a center that was horrible.

Part of the problem was that I was drinking too much. I have been sober now for one week. I never, ever want to be in that situation again. This past week has been great. After detox, I have found a new energy, but I know at there will be challenging times ahead of me.

I don't do well in group therapy. Way too many shame issues to share in a group environment. But I think that an online support system is a better way for me to go.

I may not post often, but reading your posts give me comfort knowing that I am not alone with my demons.

I hope to be welcome here. I suspect I will be.

I hope to fit in with you all.

[NYC_SKP]

1. Welcome, Sophiegirl

You may from time to time be insulted, more likely outside of this group, but we are a loving bunch, by and large.

Welcome, and best wishes for a happy winter season!

[Sophiegirl]

2. Thank you.

I can handle online snarky folks. I just ignore them. It's harder in a face-to-face environment.

Thank you for the welcome.

Oh, and BTW, I grew up in Texas and now live in the DC area. Boy do I hate cold weather. Seasons in TX are brown and green.

[Glaug-Eldare]

3. Welcome!

Good to see ya here. How are ya digging the DC metrozone?

[Sophiegirl]

4. 22 years and counting

I'll never get used to the weather, but there is a lot to do here.

[Tobin S.]

5. We're glad you're here, Sophie

Pull up a seat and sit a spell. We don't bite.

[mopinko]

6. well, most of us don't.

gotta keep an eye on nyc_skp, tho.

[mopinko]

7. welcome sophiegirl

this is a protected group, so if anyone is an asshole here, alert on the post, but also drop a note to one of the hosts.

welcome to a safe place.

[Sophiegirl]

8. Thanks everone! nt

[fizzgig]

9. morning, sophie

i hope this new day finds you well. and wonderful job on your sobriety! keep it up.

[Sophiegirl]

11. Oh my.

Thank you for this. I'm doing well this morning and I hope the same for you.

I'm in an insomniac sort of cycle so I actually slept from 5-11am. But it was undisturbed sleep.

Thank goodness my husband understands. He is the most patient and supportive person in my life.

[Denninmi]

15. Sleep is good.

I still struggle to get enough sleep most nights.

I say take it any way you can get it.

[Denninmi]

10. Hi, welcome.

This is a small but great group of friends who become like family.

They sure saved my sorry behind over the course of the past five months.

I am in a better place now. Ok, still pretty needy and insecure, too, but after all, isn't that just part of my boyish charm?

Anyway, people here talked me down off some high ledges, I need to pay it forward.

Glad you are here, ask us anything, any time. We're here to help and support each other.

[Sophiegirl]

12. I"ve kept up

with your posts. I'm so sorry you've had such a difficult time lately. I understand what it is like. Happy you are in a better place right now.

[GreenPartyVoter]

13. You are most welcome here! *hugs* May I suggest that

one on one counseling might be more helpful? And while sharing here can also help, I know for my own part I haven't been able to really open up detail-wise because it's the wide-open internet. Our people are the best, but it's still visible to anyone out there so it's sort of held me back, at least on those shame issues.

[BeHereNow]

14. Welcome to the safest room on DU.

And congratulations on not self medicating for and entire week!