Oh, Piper, you really are having a difficult time of it. When your psychiatrist gets you through this episode, please take some time to do some research on your diet, because I'm convinced that the diet plays a very large part in the mood shifts and
particularly the severity of the mood shifts in some bipolar folks.

Maybe we could talk a little about it when you recover from this episode. In the
meantime, please stop using caffeine, tea, and chocolate until you learn whether or not you have a sensitivity to them. They will wreak havoc with your sleep schedule
if you use them and have a sensitivity to caffeine.

I would suggest that you stop using grains, as well. Evidence is piling up that they
cause real problems for many people and that they are long-term slow poisoning for
us because of changes in agriculatural chemistry to increase gluten--but that's just
part of the problem.

I know you haven't time now to think about it, but when you're better, please give
some time to research on this. Making changes has helpled some people to reduce
strongly the meds they are taking; from your message, I gather that's what you're
hoping to do in time.

Follow your good psychiatrist's advice and get through this episode; then think about the ideas I've suggested as helpful.

Saying a prayer for your recovery.