I have been stable for around 4 months. I realize that's not a very long time but it already has me wondering if I even have Bipolar Disorder. I have had an extremely unstable couple of years but I was pregnant and postpartum most of the time so there were problems with hormones.

Before this (other than postpartum depressions), I hadn't had any major episodes in about 10 years (and that is all I've ever had before the last 2 1/2 years--about 4 years of instability). Do you think lithium is necessary for someone who has had infrequent episodes? Could just taking meds as needed work? My doc insists on lithium (she is weaning me off my other meds) for life and so does my husband but ultimately it is my decision. I just wonder if everyone would agree that meds are always needed.