The psych nurse practitioner who saw me from summer '08 - summer '09 eventually diagnosed me with bipolar II. Shortly thereafter, I went into a 9 week manic episode. The p-doc I saw in Aug '09 diagnosed me with bipolar I. I didn't really care about either label. Basically I get long periods of depression and short periods of hypomania or mania. Longer mixed episodes too. To me, one's not worse than the other, but I definitely hate mixed episodes where I'm depressed but have the impulsivity and energy to do myself harm. I suppose being type I has more risks, but the longer periods of depression without much relief sucks if you're type II. So I don't wish either on anyone. I feel for the plight of everyone and as someone said, there are varying degrees of severity within each diagnosis. A mild case would be nice. I just feel so fortunate to finally be on a combo of meds that relieves my symptoms. Side effects are minimal too. Feel a little spacey, but it's not too bad. to you for your ongoing battle. I know you're in the hospital right now. Get well soon.