I was on just a antidepressant for 14 years. It kept my depression liveable in my down cycles. On my up cycles, I loved the Hypo-Manic energy, and overall feeling of well being. I would have phases of irritability and agitation and didn't quite understand it. My hypo-Mania's became shorter and shorter each year, and my depressions, longer and longer. Not being DX'd properly was partially my fault, a result of me canceling Doctor's appointments when I was manic, and only going when I was depressed. I think we are experts at hiding symptoms. I had a full blown Mania in 1995, and then it was obvious to everyone. I have struggled with the right med combo for years. I think I finally got it right last year. This is a tough illness to treat.