About

Okay, so a good friend of mine thought that my story would be worth putting down on paper.  She thinks others might find it interesting and even helpful.  So, I decided that I might as well hop on the blog wagon and see if she is right.

I am a retired caterer and cake decorator who still loves to play in the kitchen, cook and bake for others.  I also am a crafter, dabbling in crochet, quilting, sewing, paper crafts and photography.  That may sound like a crazy bunch of hobbies, but I go through phases where one is in the forefront.

I am also a woman of Faith.  Having God in my life is something very important to me and I am not afraid to show it.  I have had a lot of trials over the years and each one has shaped me into the strong, vibrant woman that I am.  My husband said to me the other day that the reason God uses us so much is that we listen to Him and I believe that to be true. So, my writings will be filled with, and dedicated to, the Glory of God.

Finally, I have had many health struggles in my 50+ years.  When I have to tell a new doctor my history it takes an hour so I have written it down – all the diagnoses, symptoms, medicines, etc.  For much of my life (starting as early as 8) I have suffered from depression and bipolar; however, in the last few years, I have learned how to control the illness instead of it controlling me.  I also suffer from all sorts of chronic pain – this too has made me stronger.

77 Replies to “About”

  1. Hi Lydia,

    Thank you for being brave enough to post about your journey. I’m 28 and sitting in the rut Bipolar has caused over the last few years. I am however optimistic about the years to come. Like your story, I see many bipolars who are well and doing great things in their later years. I’m tired of feeling like a failure when I know I have a sparkle somewhere behind all the clouds.

    I comment with my normal blog, but here’s my other link: http://southafricanbipolarmom.wordpress.com/

    Looking forward to learning from you!

    Yve

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    1. Yve, I am so sorry I didn’t reply sooner. I somehow missed your note until now. Thank you for your kind words. It is a long road with lots of turns and bumps, but you will make it – just keep hold of that sparkle! I am looking forward to learning from you as well.

      Lydia

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      1. Not a problem, dear. It’s amazing how as time goes on we learn to accept the things we can’t change. That was always a cliche to me, now I know it’s a funny kind of wisdom.

        Take care, of YOU.

        Yvette

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  3. Hi Lydia, thanks for liking my comment on The Elephant In the Room. I get so upset when I hear about parents acting like children. I was reading your post about Valentine’s Day. I’m glad you got through all of that situation. I’ve know too many people that are still haunted by issues such as that. take care and thanks again…

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    1. And thank you, Jc, for your kind words. I too find it difficult to see parents treating their children this way. I feel that my experiences were so that I could become stronger for others.

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  8. take a minute to read some of earliest posts on possible depression/health issues/chronic pain. I’m not saying you will learn anything (I am sure you have heard all sorts of suggestions LOL) but our experiences are very similar!

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    1. I was diagnosed with depression and OCD in my late 20’s and bipolar when I was about 32. The depression was traced back to about 8 and bipolar to 16 or so. I was very severely bullied all my life which triggered a lot of it. I also have anxiety disorder (check out my latest post), panic attacks and they are now thinking I might have had ADD most of my life as well. I am no longer under the care of a psychiatrist though I can pop in to see him whenever I need to. I have seen the same one for about 25 years and i think both he and my family doctor will be retiring soon. How about you? When were you diagnosed?

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      1. My depression started early too. I determined to kill my dad when I was 10. (To stop his abuse.)
        I’m so sorry you’ve had such a hard life.
        But, don’t see the psych now?? That’s AMAZINGLY wonderful!!
        Yeah, I was made fun of a lot too.
        I was dressed differently, since my dad was a very conservative pastor.
        So, in high school, I began dressing weird on purpose. If I was gonna get picked on, well, at least I controlled it!
        The anxiety, yep.
        I think I have some OCD, as well, since I dwell on my past mistakes, to the point of becoming suicidal at times.
        That’s great to have had such continuity of care. But them retiring ain’t gonna be fun.
        I was officially diagnosed with depression, in 1992, when I was committed to a detox, mental health facility for alcoholism, depression. I was 31.
        The bi-polar diagnosis didn’t come until my 40s.
        But the depression meds never made me “normal”, so I was so glad to finally find out out was wrong!

        Liked by 1 person

  17. Your friend was right, you have beautiful content that i have seen and decided to rush to your about tell you how splendid your blog is. I get such a good feeling when i find someone here who has lived life for long and seen how it is. Looking forward to reading more of your posts. Cheers to new friendship – Cezane

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  21. You are most welcome. I started following you a bit ago. The picture with the girl and the horse. It speaks volumes about love and trust. Thank you for checking my site as well. I agree about finding other believers – it is definitely a gift.

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  25. Lydia, so wonderful to connect with someone who understands the way bipolar disorder changes and shapes one’s life. I look forward to reading about your journey. I must say, I don’t consider myself a religious person (I have father/trauma issues and consequently have a hard time accepting God as a man), but I do believe in God. Just not clear on the whole gender thing, lol. I hope this doesn’t offend you and we can still chat about similar experiences. Be well.

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    1. Jill, I actually understand about Father/trauma issues as you will see if you read certain posts. They are probably different to yours but traumatic all the same. You will not offend me. I have my own views and so I must accept those of others. I really look forward to reading more about you and getting to know each other as well. Hugs

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  27. Hi! I believe we are from the same generation and I admire your honesty here. I think sometimes I’ve been hiding a mental illness. It could be a mix of bipolar, PTSD (the past is a “B”) and a bit of substance abuse all rolled into one. I’ve not sought treatment because I work hard through the days in a career-job where I have to manage many relationships well and I’m able to do it. Plus I have an awesome spouse and God. Our state allows “medical use” and that helps as well here and there if I need to really relax and get through the night. That might sound wrong, but I am somewhat opposed to pharmaceuticals for myself anyway (as I might overuse it). Great blog Miss!

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  28. Dear Lydia,

    I’ve always enjoyed reading your blog. I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Here’s the link: https://comeinsitdown.wordpress.com/2016/10/21/versatile-blogger-award/

    Your participation is totally voluntary, you don’t have to accept the nomination. Should you decide not to take part, I will completely understand that and won’t be offended.

    I however will appreciate it if you chose to accept it; I see the nomination process as a way to promote my fellow bloggers work across the board and to spread the word.

    Thank you and best wishes,
    Anna

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    1. Anna, thank you so much. I will gladly accept the nomination and I really appreciate you nominating me! It is an honour that you think I deserve it. I will work on it in the morning.

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  34. Happy to have found your blog. I also have mental illness and chronic pain. Looking forward to connecting with more people who are experiencing similar experiences 🙂

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    1. Thank you, Ribbonrx. I really appreciate the nomination; however, I have stopped accepting nominations. There is a lot of work involved and I don’t have the time (and often the energy) to give it justice. I do feel honoured.

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      2. Thank you so much for that encouragement. I feel very blessed when people acknowledge my work. It does mean a lot. By the way, I love your blog and hope to spend more time there. Happy ❤ Day!

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  37. What a wonderful blog, Lydia–I’m glad you “hopped on the blog wagon” to share your faith and gifts. God certainly uses our weakness, pain/illness–all of our experiences–when we offer them to Him. I know without doubt that my life-long depression and anxiety, past abuse issues, have all brought me into the deep intimacy I have with Him–He’s given me much in return, like writing, and encouraging others. We are Sisters in Him! May you be blessed abundantly!

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