I'm cross-posting this from /r/BipolarReddit because BPD was not yet ruled out (diagnosed with Bipolar 1). But this subreddit and the other have been incredibly helpful for me in coping, and the relationship challenges addressed here are something that continue to hit very close to home.

December was a very difficult month for me, and this subreddit became a sanctuary during some especially hard moments. So first of all - thank you to all of you. You have helped me to realize I am not alone in this.

As a sort of therapy for myself, I shared a video of my recent challenges on Facebook. I felt completely vulnerable and almost removed it. But then responses of love and encouragement began pouring in. It was empowering and brought me a sense of hope I haven't had in a while.

People from all parts of my life began private messaging me, sharing their own stories of mental health challenges.

I realized that talking openly about my challenges is very helpful to me in the start of the journey to management. I invite you to [hear my story](https://www.facebook.com/tommygeoco/posts/10212173351023813?pnref=story) and share your own story in the comments below.

What kind of challenges are you currently facing? How far have you come? What are you suffering from right now?

I begin a DBT partial in-patient program on January 16th, and I'm trying to make it through every day leading up to that date.

Thank you again for everything this subreddit has provided in allowing me to pursue self-love and a sense of peace. It's a long road, I'm told, but today I feel present and capable.

Side note: I've been listening and re-listening to an audiobook called [Calming the Emotional Storm](https://www.audible.com/pd/Self-Development/Calming-the-Emotional-Storm-Audiobook/B01AH7EERA) in place of music lately, and just listening to the voice of the narrator and practicing a coping method here and there has been tremendously helpful for me. I hope it offers some calm to one of you.