I spent a little over two hours blabbing with my oldest friend, the one who is struggling so in Southern California. At the end of our call I felt better, and I hope she felt less isolated.
She is in a mighty battle with her bipolar disorder. Her body is trying to adjust to the cocktail of meds her shrink has her taking and she's considering a partial hospitalization program at UCLA. It sounds radical, and I know it took me a while to get my mind around it. Even though it will take her 6-8 weeks to complete, I think it's a very good thing for her. She's had a hard time making friends out there. Her cousin Sharon (the one she moved 2000 miles to be near) has been useless. Her psychologist and psychiatrist don't talk -- at least not enough to suit me. By going into the UCLA program she will have a support system. Counselors and other patients. Maybe a new doctor. I think it's all good.
Of course, we didn't spend the whole two hours talking about that. I had to give her a blow-by-blow recount of Macca at Lolla. One thing that came to me while recounting it: this new generation of fans don't call him "Paul," "Sir Paul" or even "McCartney." He's "PaulMcCartney."
And she told me how she and Sharon believe Sharon's house is haunted. I sent my mind away to the happy place during most of that (the Cub game was on the TV screen, after all) but I know she enthusiastically believes in that sort of thing and I'm glad she's engaged in something that makes her happy.
So I think she's going to be all right. I know this takes courage, this battle she's waging. I know her pain is real. And I'll continue to pray for her, support her and love her.
These are the thoughts and observations of me — a woman of a certain age. (Oh, my, God, I'm 65!) I'm single. I'm successful enough (independent, self supporting). I live just outside Chicago, the best city in the world. I'm an aunt and a friend. I feel that voices like mine are rather underrepresented online or in print. So here I am. If my musings resonate with you, please visit my blog again sometime.
Inpatient treatment sounds scary but I only know positive outcomes for the folks I've known who've gone.
ReplyDeleteYou're a good friend to her.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad she's looking at some comprehensive help. Bi-polar is a mighty strong foe.
ReplyDeleteI call all stars (except for sekritboyfriend by their whole name. He's mostly just Dave to me even though he doesn't go by Dave.)
Hauntings are weird and can feel scary. I don't like to venture much into that low vibration energy. I am happy with my Guides and Teachers in Spirit along with the Archangels. Much nicer there!