Hello everyone,

I was recently diagnosed as Bipolar II after a long (15 year) struggle with what I thought was major depression. After trying almost every med out there for depression, I would find myself feeling "too good" after only a few days on the meds and eventually stop taking them. I realize now that they were probably pushing me into hypomania. Over the past year I have been working with a therapist who finally figured it out, and I also have a psych Dr. who actually listens to me and takes more than five minutes to prescribe meds.

I ended up in the psych ER recently after a particularly bad week which they felt was a mixed state (had lots of suicidal thoughts etc.). They put me on Depakote ER and my psych dr. added Pristiq as an antidepressant to get those symptoms under control fast. I am also taking Wellbutrin.

I have a rather stressful life as I am a full-time student and mother of two kids so I don't think that is helping. I am hoping the meds help get my major symptoms under control - I feel a lot better already but am worried I'll go into hypomania again.

I am looking forward to being part of this community where others understand what it's like to live with this disorder. I am uncomfortable posting under my "real" name since it is very distinctive, but will go by BPfroggy for now if that's OK.

Take care everyone!

BPfroggy