Don't let success lead to burning bridges

I have had four episodes in the past 25 years that required some hospitalization due to my irrational behavior. Three of those times, I saw it coming and couldn't stop it. I am under no illusions that because I haven't had such an episode in a long while, I'm no longer prone to one.

Both my doctor and therapist wondered if I needed to continue to see them. I said absolutely, if only because it keeps me in their system. I now see the therapist for a few minutes each month and the doctor for about 5 minutes every six months. This ensures that if things go south in a hurry, there will be no mountains of paperwork for my wife to sit and fill out on top of all the turmoil she'd have to deal with.

I may go the rest of my life without another episode, but keeping the supply lines open in terms of treatment (or plan B) is still a great investment. If it only brings my family some extra peace of mind, it's paid off in spades.