I'm having the same problem. After being diagnosed some 28 years ago now, I am only now needing a support system from the shrinks' to get through a pretty rough patch.

I'm hoping to find out how to live again. A big part of that is going to have to be my making myself available on a level I'm not entirely comfortable with, but it's either that or die. Since I know I'm not allowed to make that FINAL decision, I have no other option but to try.

Understanding one's disease is entirely different than learning, at different stages in one's life, how to live with what one has been burdened with. My bipolarity, paranoia, and depression aren't all that I am. But when I'm on the far end of the spectrum, it's good to have a disinterested third party remind me that I am indeed worthy.

And, thank heavens for who ever invented the icebag. Whew.