Hi, I'm also new to this. I was diagnosed about 6 months ago with bipolar II. I have been trying to manage this without meds, but I don't think it's working. Sometimes I think that I can handle everything, but most of the time I'm so pessimistic that I feel I'll fail at anything I try. I'm moving away from home and my husband for a great job, but I'm terrified that I won't be able to function either at work or socially, and that I'll do something stupid. My husband is supportive, but doesn't really want me to take meds, because he's afraid my personality will change. I've hidden what I'm like when manic (sexual indiscretion) because I don't want to hurt him, but the result is that he doesn't realize how serious a problem it is. Ditto for when I feel suicidial...I don't want him to worry about me. I hate being such a burden. I'm also worried that my mood swings are affecting my dog, who has epilepsy. His seizures seem to be getting worse and more frequent. Aaggh. Myhead hurts, my heart hurts, and I feel like I'm fighting in a fog. I'm exhausted. Just when I think therapy has really helped me, and I feel on top of things, I slam back into depression. My doc prescribed some Zyprexa "just in case" and I'm wondering if it can possibly help me out of this hell. I'm really strong-willed, but I'm not sure how long I can keep going like this.

Thanks - any advice/support much appreciated.