I was recently diagnosed with bipolar I. At first I thought okay, no biggie, I'll just take these 900 mg of lithium at night and call it good.

Well, I've had my first manic episode since I've been on lithium. 2 shoplifting sprees later as I was waiting to be bailed out of the county lock-up, I realized that this lithium is not enough. That I need to educate myself about this illness just like I did when I "just had depression".

That when I'm manic, to think about the jokes I'm about to share as they are not always appropriate. That when I'm manic I need to be careful what I share and with whom (I'm engaged and deeply in love and have been faithful and loyal for 2 years with her). Then I come to find out I have this incredible crush on this guy (I'm a lesbian mind you) and want him so bad. I thought, okay, I haven't had sex in a really long time and that must be it, but it doesn't feel like that it's just the sex because I could handle that myself. My fiance has been really busy and we haven't had time to make love since Valentines day. I'm not into the sex for one thing because for me, it's not just about the physical aspect.

Does anyone ever feel like they have to rein in what they say and do even on meds?

I'm going to the doctor tomorrow, ooops, look at the time...today I mean to discuss this with him.

Any advice, feedback?

P.S. I also believe that my mania is triggered by long term stress. Anyone else feel this way as well?