My understanding is that the one and the two at the end of the diagnosis is for clarification rather than severity. Bipolar 1, from what I understand involves mania, hypomania, depression and psychosis or psychotic features in either the manic or depressive states. Also, Bipolar 1 can involve mixed episodes. I am not sure if Bipolar 2 has mixed episodes. Bipolar 2 does not involve full on mania, but involves hypomania, and tends to involve depression more often than hypomania, can have psychosis and psychotic features during depression.

Genetic, I appreciate your advice on diet and sleep. I don't know much about acid and alkaline, but I have heard that for people even not on meds that an alkaline diet is more gentle on the body and can reduce the chances of cancer. So I can see how it would help alleviate other diseases and be generally healthier. I will check out the website you recommend.

IrishGirl, I have had pdocs tell me that the treatment for schizoaffective and bipolar 1 are pretty much the same, and the treatment for bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 are pretty much the same. Mood stabilizer, antidepressant if needed, antipsychotic if needed and other meds if needed to support other symptoms such as anxiety, etc. Diet and sleep, routine and stress relief techniques. I think it is nearly impossible to eliminate stress, but there are great coping mechanisms to deal with it. Also, therapy is essential, be it talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) group therapy, etc. I even participated in journalling therapy which was great for me.

What it all comes down to is that we take care of ourselves in such a way that helps us feel better. We are all different, so different things will work for different people. It is worth looking into, with the guidance of your pdoc, anything that might help us manange our bipolar, 1 or 2, schizoaffective, depression, Social Anxiety, or whatever it is we are dealing with. Diagnoses may change, treatments change, but the idea is to be proactive so that we feel the best we can.