I have mixed episodes and rapid cycling. I used to pop Xanax (prescribed for anxiety) and simply knock myself out. Plus, I was misdiagnosed for YEARS as simply depressed (dysthymic, major, and existential) with anxiety and didn't understand why simply taking SSRIs wasn't cutting it. Now that I know, I can combat it easier. My mania is hypomanic; but, the depression and anxiety are what really gets to me.

I write a lot and listen to an insane amount of music. These things help the most. Other than that, I just take it one day at a time and continue to seek out the right meds for me.