Dear Laelithia:

This is a partial reply, a few comments about a few things you wrote today:

* I hope your liver/ physical health is fine, and that your doctor’s concern is resolved.

You wrote about your dog, “I simply could have done better.. it was my fault..”- I read this sentiment from each and every member who posted here about losing a pet, in the last five and a half years. It seems to be very common for a person losing a pet to be disturbed by guilt.

“I have noticed that with both J and now S, I experienced an overall feeling of shame. Shame over my behaviour, shame over.. shame”- I wish you felt no shame in regard to J and S. It just occurred to me that maybe it will help you if every time you find yourself thinking about J and S, feeling ashamed- replace those thoughts (using the letters J and S): Just say no to Shame. It may be silly, but being obsessive, it may help you to do a thought-replacement of this kind.

Regarding a possible bipolar diagnosis- this diagnosis may be useful for planning a treatment for you, including perhaps mood stabilizers prescribed for the disorder.

Back to you in the morning.

anita