Sanctuary
Your husband is coming down from a manic episode and you've been crying all night because of the things he said or did while he was in episode. You can't go to friends or family because your friends just tell you to dump him and get out; while your family, who have never seen him this way seem to think you are exaggerating, that he would never behave that way, and they tell you to tough it out and try to be a better wife and everything will be fine.
Your son is in trouble at school. He swore at a teacher and tipped over a desk. The principal wants you to pick him up and take him to be evaluated by a phychiatrist. He says "he's usually such a nice kid but we can't allow this type of behavior in the school" but his attitude is "you must be a really lousy mother to have raised this brat" and you try to explain what you don't understand it yourself. Never let them see you sweat.
You know that none of them understand, but then, you're not sure you understand this. Is there somewhere to go? Is there someone to talk to? Can you find sanctuary?
Yes! Welcome to my Sanctuary! My articles relating to living with a bipolar husband are listed on the side of this page--use them to help you understand and cope with your own situation. I am putting things together for an email class that should be available this fall or late summer.
I feel that God puts me in difficult situations so that He can teach me survival and coping techniques and He has given me a gift of teaching to share that information with others in similar situations. So I really HAVE to share what I am learning with you. It's my mission.
I am a part of a Christian email support list that you can learn about at
http://web.mac.com/pamrs/iWeb/Bprayer/Home.html . Sometimes having others who understand your situation and believe what you are going through can be a lifesaver.
You will notice a lot of humor on my site. I do take this seriously, but sometimes if you don't laugh, you fall apart. The humor on this site comes from my real life and you may actually get something of value from it.
Eventually, the Sanctuary will be a room in my home where you can come to pull yourself together, get away from the insanity, read books and articles that are relevant to your situation and meet with a support group.
Today, the Sanctuary includes a local lending library (in Quincy IL) , a listing of support groups online and in person, and contact information so that you can talk to me personally for support.
We recently bought a home that we are fixing up and getting organized. It was a manic move--my husband went crazy for two days and dragged random things over, then quit suddenly and abandoned anything that was still in the old place. I was working full-time so didn't have a lot of opportunity to get things organized. And since the move was the result of a 30 day notice, we weren't really prepared much in advance. Needless to say, we have a lot of junk and are missing more than a few things.
Our new home has plenty of room for a sanctuary area, including bathtubs for soaking and seating around a pond in the back yard for thinking. Couches in the office area allow for comfortable reading and a good start on a library is available.
How can you help?
Coming from a paycheck to paycheck background, I always hated finding a cause I was passionate about, but being unable to contribute because all they wanted was cash, so I am opening that up to any sort of contribution you might be able to make.
If you have ideas or information about what should be on this site or what should be in our sanctuary house, please email them to
getolife@comcast.net..
If you want to be part of a support group when one is started, please email me at
getolife@comcast.net
When you purchase books from our
booklist , Amazon will pay us a portion of the profits. If there are other books you find useful, please let us know so we can add them to our list.
Objects donated can be sent or delivered to 610 Payson Avenue, Quincy IL 62301. A list of items will appear here:
1. Self-help books for marriage, family, mental illness, finances. Duplicates are alright, easier to use in group settings. The books on the booklist under bipolar are books we want available for groups and to loan. If you have a spare copy or see one at a yard sale, please send it.
2. Other books that might be useful. We reserve the right to turn books that we can't use over to the Salvation Army.
3. Pens, pencils, notebooks, clipboards for taking notes at support group meetings.
4. Styrofoam coffee cups, paper cups, small paper plates, napkins, to serve refreshments at meetings.
There will be other things that we will need before we are ready to open to the public. If you think of something that isn't listed, email me. Check back to see our progress and if there is anything new added.