Mental Health Support

I found that I was much more sensitive to criticism (constructive or otherwise) when I was suffering from my symptoms. I had a self dialogue running through my head as well that was extremely negative. There were times when people said things to me that really weren't all that consequential that had the effect on me as if my world was coming to an end. Even after I started treatment, it took a long time before I could totally rid myself of that. I think it has something to do with being abused in the past.

Now days I think there is only one person who could hurt me emotionally and that is my wife. She doesn't, of course. She's just the only person who I let myself be vulnerable around. That's a part of love and I trust her.

Everyone else? People have done some shitty things to me since I've been in treatment, but I don't think I've been angry in that period of time. At least not to the degree that got me sent to jail a couple of times, and not even to the degree that I've taken it out on someone. I've had a few arguments with my wife, but I wasn't angry so much as I was annoyed, and, of course, we worked it out.

The point is that it's going to take a little while. However, I think you've already come a long way. Educating yourself about your illness is good, though.