It seems like it's been so long ago.

[Tobin S.]

cliffordu has a great post in GD on the subject of mental illness. I guess the Arizona killer has got a lot of people talking about it now days.

It's been 7.5 years since my last hospitalization. I feel so good now that I often wonder if I still need to take the medication. I've come a long, long way- from within an inch of taking my own life to living independently, having a good career, and I'll probably get married later this year. That last one is the kicker. I'd never been in love before, and, of course, never married. It looks like I'm going to achieve everything I've ever wanted.

I have schizoaffective disorder. Few people have heard of it, but, basically, it's severe bipolar disorder. But I'm so far removed from experiencing the symptoms that the time I spent experiencing them seems like another lifetime. I thought about how I would describe what I went through back then, but it just seems pointless, like it's a chapter in my life that I've read several times. It's time to put it down, that chapter is closed.

To all of those who are suffering from a mental illness: It's possible to recover, even fully recover. It's even possible that your life will be better than it ever has. I wish you well. If you fall, get back up and keep going. You'll never know how things might turn out if you don't fight the good fight.

[auntAgonist]

1. I wish I could recommend this post Tobin.

We are both so very happy for you and wish you all the best for continued happiness.

keep us posted on your plans, won't you? :)

:hug: :loveya: :hug:

k.

[Tobin S.]

3. Thanks aA

I start the new job on the 24th. I'll be running within a 250 miles radius of Columbus, Ohio. Maybe I'll get to visit soon. :hug:

[auntAgonist]

5. congrats! I didn't realize you'd gotten the new job that is good news for sure!

YES a visit sometime soon would be great.

You know how to find me :)

aA
kesha

[elleng]

10. You got the job!

Hoping to hear, and not wanting to ask!

:thumbsup:

[Tobin S.]

11. Thanks ellen and aA. Ellen, never be afraid to ask me anything

I'm like an open book. :)

[elleng]

15. OK, dear Toby, tell us about your holidays:

What did you give and receive and eat???!!!!

:rofl:

[av8rdave]

2. Cliffordu's post is a great one. So is yours!

It's great to hear your story of recovery and hope, and it's surely an inspiration to others facing similar struggles.

All the best to you and your intended! Looking forward to more stories from the road (and/or the home front)!

[Tobin S.]

4. Thanks Dave

If I have a story, you guys will be the first to know it, either from the road or from the home front. :thumbsup:

[eyepaddle]

6. I too, wish I could recommend this post.

Thank you for sharing, and best wishes for the future.

[seabeyond]

7. i am so thrilled for you. so very very

thrilled....

yea, you.

[dawg]

8. Sometimes the good guys win.

I'm so very happy for you, Tobin. You're a good man, and you are talented enough to convey part of your personality through your writing - that's not common.

Mental illness is a scourge. But, like other chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, it can be manageable with care and the right treatments. You are living proof of that wonderful truth.

And if it (it being the romance part) can happen for you, it can happen for me again too. So you're a danged ol' inspiration, don't ya' know.

[elleng]

9. Dear Toby,

:hug:
:grouphug:

[Kali]

12. ...

:thumbsup:

[rurallib]

13. tobin, probably your best post ever!

and you have had some good ones!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

14. My dear Tobin!

Wow, great news on all fronts...

I'm really thrilled for you! I know how hard you've worked for these successes.

SO good to hear!

:hug:

[Flying Dream Blues]

16. Thanks for sharing this

hopeful post, Tobin! I didn't realize that this had been part of your journey. I'm so happy things are going so well for you and I always look for your posts.

:hug:

:hi:

[Tobin S.]

17. A NOTE ABOUT MY OP

It occurred to me that it could have been construed from the OP that I was considering stopping taking my meds. While that would be a dream come true, I don't know if it will ever be a reality for me. I will not make any changes to my medication therapy without the guidance of my doctor.

[elleng]

18. Good, but didn't think you'd do anything rash, knowing you as we do!

:-) ;-)

[lunatica]

19. Tobin, I was just thinking about you when I just saw this post!

I was just thinking how I wish you would post again and give us another little slice of your life. But please, keep taking your medication! And it makes me tear up to think you're in love and getting married.

[elleng]

20. luna, I missed the 'getting married' part! Where WAS I?

Are we going???
ALWAYS looking for Tobin's posts.

[elleng]

23. Nevermind, luna, just saw it!!!

[fizzgig]

21. you deserve all the happiness in the world, my friend

i'm so happy for you :)

[Forkboy]

22. I keep thinking the bad chapters are done, but the book has a way of opening itself again.

But I am thrilled to hear how you're doing. :toast:

[Odin2005]

24. KICK!

:hi: :hug: