Familar, yes. I've got BP II too. Severe depressions oh yes. Sometimes the ups go pretty far up and sometimes go on for quite some time. Sometimes shorter, many hitting at least the 4 day diagnostic criteria, but quite a few shorter bursts as well. But get a lot done? _Oh yeah_. But often I'm a really irritable piece of work in those times, which isn't nearly as nice as getting ridiculous amounts of things done, to say the least. It's also when I'm most likely to have a meltdown or flip out especially if I run into frustration. Doesn't even really take much. Which are followed inevitably by mortification. Ugh.

But after I got diagnosed, it was a relief really, you know? That there was actually something medical going on causing all this. Something to work on. And not in that "just buck up" way that had been so... well let's just say, it didn't work, hmm? And without knowing about the bipolar, the frustration of trying what I simply could not do only exacerbated it. The right meds are a big help. (It's not unusual for it to take time to find what works, but just stick with it.) It can be better. Sometimes things work well on the first go --once I got on mine, there was a big improvement. Somewhat "normal" took some getting used to, but it sure was nice not having so many flipouts. Yes, still have some, but less often for sure. And less depression and less severe? Sign me up! Sound good? Probably the best encouragement is simply the fact that knowing can direct you to tools that can actually work (as opposed to the theory of buck up, you know?) and that things can be better. Yea! Also, speaking of encouragement, this forum is a great place with so many caring people. Welcome!

And a hug? Absolutely!