Just my two cents...

As far as you being treated for just "plain ole depression" before you were diagnosed with bipolar, I think the mental health experts made a bad decision when they named depression depression. It's like called a 9 course dinner, just a meal. There is so much more to depression than feeling "depressed". Depression can kill and yes, it is scarey.

About your meds, have you thought about getting rid of the ambian since you said it's about run it's course? Perhaps you can talk to your pdoc about putting you on a low dose of Seroquel...it works much better for me than Ambian.

Use this board a lot for emotional support and information. It makes all the difference in the world.

Welcome to the community. Sending you a big safe hug!