My doc thinks that I may be in the "bipolar spectrum," though I do not even have text-book hypomania. I do have severe swings from contentment and extremely sweet spiritual growth ( which may last up to 3 years) followed by depression that is unbearably severe and frought with suicidality. I often "climb out of it" over a week or so, but depressive symptoms just hang on. I am beginning Lamictal, which will hopefully moderate some of the depression, as well as Effexor, Risperdal, and Ativan. I have been on Lithium and Depakote before, but stopped them for various reasons. I am just hoping for a little bit of stability, and relief from the agonizing pain and guilt.