Hi, Vortex...

Welcome! It sounds as if you have a full plate to deal with. First advice: keep on posting, get to know folks here...I credit the community here with quite literally saving my life awhile back...this is a great resource.

Secondly, work with your doc to get your meds right. As anyone here can tell you, I'm a staunch proponent of mood stabilizers for bipolar of any sort, namely lithium or valproate. These, IMHO should be the foundation of treatment for bipolar disease. Other drugs, particularly Lamictal (lamotrigine) can be very helpful for BPII.

Third, find a good therapist with experience in treating bordrline personality disorder. BPD is not helped by drug regimens, only talk therapy.

Fourth, find a support group for BP, BPD or both. As good as this community is, there is no replacement for mutual, face-to-face support from those who share your conditions.

Fifth, live a healthy lifestyle...a good diet, excercise (preferably in the sun) and regular sleep will go far in helping you.

And finally, (and maybe the most important) -- SMILE! I have found that if I act the way I want to feel, things are a LOT better! Hold your head up, look people in the eye, smile and say hi...this one is HARD sometimes, but it will make you feel better quicker than anything else you can do!

I can say that I have started doing all these things, and I feel MUCH better than I did a year ago...better than I have in about 10 years or so, and I am confident that they will help you, too.

See you around!

DJ