I think using the ativan as needed less sparingly to get you through the rough patch is not a bad idea, I take klonopin sparingly too, I have to remind myself that its ok to use it when I really need it. Just hang on til you can see your pdoc and hopefully get started on a mood stabilizer, mixed states are very uncomfortable. I'm not sure how long they typically last, mine have been no longer than a couple months, mostly because I so actively sought help.