Hi Janice,
Playing the med game is what we must do. Yes, it is so frustrating at times. I am going off of Lamictal right now because of itching and rash side affects. One gets so very tired of this but one must do it. Congrats on getting sober. I quit smoking for one year but just started again due to awful family negativity (two sisters who may have their own mental health problems) and grandson having a serious drug problem, all which equaled way too much stress. I cannot take more antidepressant. I have been on disability since age 55 and am now on SS, which is what disability changes to when you get older. It's only a name change, not $ change.
It's difficult. How are we to deal with a broken brain when our brain is already broken? I think that bipolar patients are some of the most courageous people on the planet! That goes for everyone here.
PrairieCat