I am nervous, but excited to meet you all. My therapist never told me my dx, but I know that I qualify for this community. I've been on anti-depressants for years, in various 12-Step programs for substance abuse, co-dependency, love addiction. I'm clean and sober and in a satisfying relationship of 11 years with a very understanding partner. I'm a gay woman, 57 yo and live in Northern California.
My partner and I retired in 2005, so I no longer endure the living hell of job stress. I have zero tolerance for stress, and am extremely quick to react to perceived slights. My poor Helen suffers my anger, which I suppress for as long as I am able until I explode.
I've had therapy, I know that I was emotionally neglected. My mother felt that expresssions of vulnerability were expressions of weakness, which she abhorred. Before Helen, I had many many relationships of short duration that were the source of much pain. I also drank alcoholically.
I am extremely isolated now, because I can't bear normal work stresses. I would like to interact with others more, even in a volunteer position, but I am too sensitive to normal criticism and conflict.
I hope to find some tools to help me recover. Thanks for listening.
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