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Elisa Parhad's avatar

Have you considered medication? My husband was diagnosed with bipolor disorder two years ago and I look back at the suffering that happened continually, like clockwork, every single winter and spring. The disease is a circadian rhythm disorder and can be managed by behavior and medication. Both of our lives have completely transformed for the better with his diagnosis. It can be a subtle disease without the wild manic highs. He mostly falls into depressions each winter and spring.

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Rikki Horvatic's avatar

Wonderful wonderful. I too am seeking out therapy in this season. It’s a wonderful thing to care for ourselves.

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Duane Toops's avatar

Thank you! I hope it goes well for you! Caring for myself is a necessity I’m only just now learning, and slowly.

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Jenn's avatar

A gap between wisdom and knowledge is my favorite; I think it is the surprise of that fresh green! Good luck to you as you navigate through this moment of winter ❤️

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Duane Toops's avatar

Much appreciated! That’s one of teh things I love most about collage, it never stops surprising me. Thanks again!

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Richard's avatar

Wonderful collages and wise words as always. I appreciate your honesty and wish you well on your therapy journey. Keep going!

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Duane Toops's avatar

Much appreciated. I’ve put it off for a long time for a lot of varying reasons, but I’m actually glad I decided to do it. Feels like the right decision, which says a lot for someone so often racked with uncertainty, lol.

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Ann Collins's avatar

Oh man, Duane. These pieces are all uncommonly beautiful and strange--I absolutely love them thematically, as well as the color palettes you chose. I feel for your pain. I'm glad you're noticing and tending to your own disquiet with new insight. It sounds like you're gaining some fertile ground--waking up to something important and life-giving! Therapy is a loving way to push through it all. Peace to you on this good path--keep going, keep going. 💛

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Duane Toops's avatar

Thanks so much, Ann. It was actually more of a relief than i realized it would be. I don’t think I realized how exhausted I had become trying to carry the burden of managing the depression on my own. I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes. Thanks again.

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Cecil Touchon's avatar

That's a really good set! I especially liked 'linger and the inviting begins to be seen'

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Duane Toops's avatar

Thanks Cecil! That really means a lot to me!

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jenny lloyd ⟡ @jennyariane's avatar

incredible pieces, and such moving words. thank you so much for sharing ❤️

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Duane Toops's avatar

Thank you so much for reading!

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jenny lloyd ⟡ @jennyariane's avatar

I love your substack! one of my absolute favourites 🙏

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Duane Toops's avatar

wow! thank you so much! That really means a lot to me!!

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