Hi, my name's Gretchen and I just joined this site a couple days ago after google-ing "bipolar support groups online" and realizing I fit right in. A few weeks ago, I experienced what I believe to be some sort of panic or anxiety attack and that has lead me to finally seek help for my long-term (10yr.) depression. My husband has been adament for the longest time that I am bi-polar. I looked it up and thought "maybe". Then I looked up this forum and as I said, I fit right in. I can relate to so many of you here and finally have a place where I feel like I fit in. My mania is not so severe as some of you but my depression gets really bad. I have appointments lined up with a psychologist and a psychiatrist and I am excited about finally getting the help I need. I feel like I am at a point now to where I can stop keeping this a secret and now I can put away the shame and embarassment over my behavior and be honest about all of this. Thanks to everyone for being so brave and hugs all around!