Hi All {waves} my name is MaryAnn and I'm from upstate NY. I'm 49, have bipolar I disorder and COPD and bad arthritis in both knees!! I was diagnosed with bipolar in my early 40's after a misdiagnosis of major depression, agoraphobia and anxiety disorder. I am currently stable on lithium, paxil, risperdal and alprazolam.

I think I've been bipolar since I was 10 yrs old or so but it never truly manifested itself until I was in my 40's. Came here looking for some knowledge, some insight and maybe so brothers and sisters in arms to make this struggle a bit easier.