Hi My name is Shelby. I have been on medication for depression and anxiety for 22 years. Starting 7 years ago I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder II. Despite the array of pharmaceuticals I take, I seemed to be losing the battle.

After 18 months in the darkness, my hypomania has arrived with a vengeance. I normally look forward to being a little manic, especially after the longest bout with suicidal ideation I have ever had to bear but this HM episode is an SOB. I am really angry and impatient. It is going to take a lot of effort to keep from reading the riot act to my managers and losing my job.

I just got out of the hospital when my GP thought I was having a stroke. It turned out to be a mix of exhaustion and depression. Afterwards my Psychiatrist doubled my SSRI. Maybe this has contributed to this harrowing HM episode.

Thanks for being here.