Hi

I've just registered and I would really appreciate any advice anyone could give.

I first saw a psychiatrist about 8 years ago as I was suffering from a hypomanic episode. He mentioned Bi-polar but was not a formal diagnosis. I got better pretty quickly and was discharged after maybe 3 months of weekly sessions. I had no medication.

I went to another Psych 4 years ago now. I had a very premature baby who sadly died and was probably most likely suffering from grief - not really depression. I conceived another baby at this time who thankfully is very healthy and lovely. Again I had no medical treatment as I was either trying to conceive or preganant. I was monitored for a year and was absolutely fine for the whole year so was discharged. Again, Bi-polar was mentioned but I didn't think at the time that I had been formally diagnosed.

Last week I became aware that I was becoming increasingly "hyper". I wasn't sleeping much, had racing heart etc. I felt like I was on coke or speed to be honest. I was a bit scared and probably over-reacted by going to see my GP. She referred me to the "crisis" mental health team and gave me sleeping pills. The crisis team came to visit me and I caught up on my sleep and now I'm OK. I'm still feel a bit "anxious" but I'm absolutely fine. My boss is happy with my work, my husband thinks I'm fine etc.

Today a new psych came to see me and said I definitely have Bi-Polar. He said I need to inform the DVLA as my insurance will be invalid . He wants me to take mood stabilisers. There is no way I want to take a lifelong treatment for something that has only happened twice (8 years apart). I have had no instances of depression in the last 8 years either.

Whether I have Bi-polar or not (which I don't think I do) is irrelevant to me as I feel fully in control of my life and I'm happy living it as I am now. My husband is happy, family and friends are as are my work colleagues. The psych told me that whilst it was my choice "at the moment" whether or not to take the medication, if I get any worse he will decide for me and I will be admitted to hospital .

I am currently to "be monitored" - I'm not really sure what that entails. And I have to keep in touch with the crisis team.

I'm really scared now that I've opened a can of worms. I feel as though I am no longer in control over my own life and all I want is to "drop off the system" again. No-one knew I had bipolar before except for the mental health team. Even my own GP didn't know.

I guess what I want to know is:

1. Will DVLA or my insurers find out? (Doctor has said that he won't notify them). There is nothing wrong with my ability to drive AT ALL! I have been driving for 20 years - no accidents and not even any points on my licence. If I don't drive - I don't work. And if I don't work I will lose my home, my business - everything.
2. What will happen with this diagnosis? Will social services be informed? Will people want to assess my suitability as a parent?
3. How long will it be before I am discharged again?
4. Will there be any follow up checks done on me? Or is it likely that I will drop off the system again?

Sorry this is a bit rambling - just a bit panicky!