I was MDD/anxiety/panic/pstd/ocd for years... was able to mask a whole lot of it.... with meds and, yes, alcohol. Until all poop hit the fan so to speak .. add emotional & psychical abuse. I totally lost it and there was no hiding after two trips/retreats to the psych ward this past year for S. Just glad to be alive and accepting the diagnosis of BP1 finally......... You know after all the misery this past 3 years, I can say I am finally happy. So... in my case reducing stress and therapy has worked wonders. Hope you find the same balance.. I am sure I will face other "manic" and "mixed/manic" episodes eventually, but at least I know how to ask for help now and make sure people around me know to have me locked up, lol. Again, being BP is not the end of the world Not at all......... and collecting labels... hmnnnnnnn.. Rather have them all clumped into one. Hugs