Hello all. I already introduced myself in the new member's section but thought I would post here too.

I read a lot of threads on this forum and found it helpful to hear about other people's experiences so I don't forget I am not alone. It's nice to have a place to vent/discuss without wearing other people out.

I am a 19 year old college student. I was diagnosed with major depression last fall. Turned out that was only half the story. This past summer, my pdoc sensed that I was getting hypomanic because I was tackling 10 summer units and 3 jobs without being tired and cutting off friendships. She diagnosed me with bipolar 2 and put me on lamictal but I didn't listen to her and thought she was being a pill pusher. I really thought I was cured (grandiose thinking) and quit all meds.

The summer went just fine but I had several intense manic/psychotic episodes during the fall semester because of my heavy workload. The diagnosis changed to bipolar 1. One manic peak was all it took for me to comply, but I ended up having to drop all but one class. As a distinguished student in my college, I feel ashamed and embarrassed but keep telling myself it's not my fault I got sick.

Overall, I am grateful to be treated but I always feel horrible about my noncompliance because I felt like I could have prevented myself from becoming bipolar 1. But then again I feel this disorder is in my genes. This has been a humbling experience for me.

I am very excited to be a part of the community!