Hi folks. Newly diagnosed bi-polar here. Today I'm hopeful, but I must say, the circumstances around the diagnosis sucked.

I have been seeing a therapist and a couple of weeks ago I had a total panic attack with claustrophibia and hysterical tears. It was bad, but glad I had it at therapists office. Apparently she had planned on telling me that she was leaving and starting her own practice in another city that day, but because I was such a mess she didn't. So my next session, when we talked about what happened, she told me that she has diagnosed me as bi-polar.

Then she said, "and when I leave..."

I stopped her there. "Wait -- you're leaving?"

"Oh, I thought I told you. No, that's right, last week you were too upset so I didn't tell you. Sorry. This will be our last session. "

That was Wednesday before Thanksgiving holiday. I hadn't even been assigned a counselor or new appointment and I had to sit with that over the holiday. Terrible, irresponsible move by the therapist. I think maybe I'm glad to see her go!

It's been a hard bit of news to swallow, but in one way, I'm relieved to at least know what has been causing me all this pain for so many years. I started Depakote last night and am hoping for the best.