I'm right with you. I was treated as cronic depressive for 25 years until one day (at age 50) I tried yet another anti-depressant which sent me manic. Craziest 3 weeks of my life. I almost left my wife of 20 years and moved to London. Why London? I have no idea, it just sounded like a cool thing to do.

I too have been a very driven person in my work life, and during crunch time would easily work till midnight, and be back at it at 6am. At the time BP never occured to me. Looking back, its really obvious.

The important question for you (I would think) is why now? Sorry, can't help you there. But, mania is here and for planning purposes, you should count on having to deal with it. You say you can't afford a pdoc. On the plus side of being 60, AARP and other senior assistance programs might be able to help there. Since your feeling manic anyway, start researching. It always helps me get through the manias if I have something (preferably free) to do.

Always try to keep in mind that wether your up or down, it will pass. Sucks to be there, but it will pass.

Good luck to you, lots of great people here to help out.