Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall

All the King's horses and all the King's men

Couldn't put Humpty together again.

Diagnosed as bipolar over 30 years ago I had spent most of my life as manic. Hyper going 10 different directions at once, 2-3 hours sleep a night, not eating. My body would crash periodically for 2-7 days then back at it I would be. Periodically I would experience a brief period of depression but would shake it off and get back to life in the fast lane.

When I came to you I had fallen off a great wall down a slippery slope that I never dreamed possible. Trapped, I had no idea how to climb back over the wall. Instead I found myself in a dark place filled only with pain, despair, darkness and fear, with not the faintest hope or light. I could not function even on a minimum level day to day, at the point that if this was what life was going to be like I wanted no part of it. For the first time I fully realized I needed help getting out of this one.

Through the years I have faced many attempts with the King's men of learning how to live being bipolar with little or no success. Checking in and out of the hospital along with other unsuccessful or mildly effective treatments, my family was becoming extremely concerned about my well being. Jennifer, our oldest daughter begin searching diligently for some available help and found ACTT. ACTT entered my life became the the first light that was able to get me to cautiously open up and begin to to trust anyone. Without Jennifer and the support of my daughter Chrisi and my husband Chuck I would have never made it through this dark period of my life. This was a life changing step for me.

ACTT Team, to you I say:

Where there was pain, despair, darkness and fear – You have helped me find hope and light and taught me ways to begin dealing with the pain. Each of you brought your special gifts and talents and shared them with me. I thank you individually and as a team. You will always hold a special place in my heart and life as I live each day and continue learning and working hard with what you have shared with me to deal with life.

You have taught me:

• Life is precious.

• It is okay and necessary to share (best as you can :)...) with those who are trying to help you. (Still working on this one but we've come a long way).

• Get out of the house.

• Don't give up hope, there are people that care.

• Sleep, eat, exercise and take your medicines.

   

I have learned so much that it is hard to remember it all but what I will always remember is your kindness, dedication, persistence, and gentle prods when I just didn't want to do it or didn't feel like doing it. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to regain my life and to make life easier on those who love me.

You, my ACTT team, aka All the King's men have come along way at putting me together again. I know I still face hills and valleys and always will, but my time spent with you has been life changing and I will miss each of you. Thank you for the skills I take with me.

I know this is probably rambling and broken and all over the place - guess it is just a part of the continuing process but it is from the heart. Please forgive me, fill in the missing paragraphs and hope you can figure it out.

I have mixed feelings in saying see your later ( I don't say good bye). I will miss each of you but know it is time to begin working on a new chapter and closing others.

Love to you all and thank you from the bottom of my family's and my heart. You are the best!

Melinda