I was diagnosed with bipolar I in the spring of 2003. However, as I look back over my life I can see where I've been bipolar all along with manic highs and depressive episodes. Right now I'm in a depressive episode. My psych is trying an off label use of Ritalin to help my depression and increased my Abilify, but my Lamictal and Wellbutrin remain the same. I can tell that the Ritalin is helping.

I've gained a lot of weight and depression works against weight loss. I'm way overweight for someone 5ft 7in @ 250 pounds. My doctor has told me to eat half of what I normally eat for each meal and to walk 30 minutes twice a day rain or shine. My depression also works against me taking good care of my pre-diabetes which is the main reason that my doctor wants me to loose weight. I've been trying to follow this plan since August 1st and while I've not been consistent, I have managed to loose 6 lbs so far.