I looked back over my life and in the hindsite realized that my diagnosis was the reason for much of what I experienced. I suddenly had an understanding. Also, I grew up knowing I was somehow different and alone for most of my life - until the diagnosis. For the first time I realized I wasn't - that there actually existed a group to which I belonged and as such actually felt a sense of normalcy.

Acceptance was the easy part; not so much the idea of medication. When I was diagnosed I was manic. I was loving life. Why would I want to change that? How dare someone else make me change? But I couldn't maintain the high and several months without the meds and I crashed - and burned badly. It took a real rough and hard look at myself before I realized that maybe I did need the help of medication before I truly made a complete mess of things.

Consider for yourself the advantages and disadvantages of taking your medication. Look closely at the disadvantages; are they legitimate or what you wish to believe to be true. Now look at those disadvantages that are left; what are you truly prepared to do to solve them if you chose to go without the meds.

You may in fact come up with a alternative plan after doing this. If that is the case I wish you luck. You may also however come up with a realisation that perhaps a medication plan is what will work best.

What I am really getting at is you need to give this careful thought.

Remember though, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.