Hi, I live in Garland, TX (suburb of Dallas).I am diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder, schitzoaffective disorder, and PTSD. I tend toward the depressive side although I'm manic now. The meds (lithium and lamictal) are sort or controlling it. I did recently spend over 600 dollars on shopping sprees. My husband was NOT pleased (600 bucks is a lot of money on our budget). He understands though. The temptation to stop taking the pills for the bipolar is strong, to fully experience the mania. But I know that's not the right thing to do. I'm a recovering alcoholic (3 yrs) and don't think I could make it thru a full blown manic episode without drinking or using. I'm still have a small part of my mind that questions my diagnosis'. I been diagnosed for a little over three years now.