DEAR ABBY: I'm a young mother who dropped out of high school because I didn't have enough credits. I started a great job in fast food and have a very understanding boss. I met my boyfriend at work. We've lived together since before my son was born and he has helped me to raise my boy. (His biological dad left me and has had no contact since I was two months pregnant.)
Lately I have been incredibly depressed. I'm nowhere I wanted to be in life, miserable in my relationship and have started to hate my job. I'm clinically diagnosed as bipolar and on medication. I have also been seeing a therapist since I was very young. I don't know what to do. I don't want to throw my life away. I love my son and want the best for him. Any advice on how to pick myself up? -- DOWN DEEP IN CLEVELAND
DEAR DOWN DEEP: Yes. Tell your therapist that you are cycling into a depression. Your medications may need to be adjusted. Next, explore completing your high school education by getting a GED degree, which may widen your employment opportunities. Once you're feeling better, you should consider whether you want to end the romantic relationship you have with your boyfriend. When your emotions are on an even keel, you'll be better able to make that decision.
P.S. If you're not receiving child support, contact the department of social services in your state, because your child's father should have been contributing regularly.