Sometimes there are symptoms that don't show the full picture to qualify for a diagnose, but the symptoms still exist.

I never got a bipolar diagnose. I didn’t fulfill the whole packet required for the diagnose. (They chose to not use the Bipolar NOS diagnose). To not have a diagnose doesn’t mean that the symptoms of that disorder (that are not enough to put on a formal diagnose) disappear. I have to follow the same advice as my bipolar friends do follow (if they can manage): Routines, regular meals, enough sleep and more.

An example can be if I have too much fun, the fun makes me have problems with getting «down on the earth». No I will not go around and shop expensive things or have sex in plenty like some people with real mania might do, but I have to watch my triggers. Related to the example I used about having too much fun, I will always have to be aware of that. I need to know how to stop the excitement when it has become turned on. For me it will be to say no to invitations for some time (may be a week or two) and to not feel like I have turned someone down by doing so. We MI-sufferers are often very clever in blaming ourseves. BUT it is my job to try to live as best I can with my disorder. I have the right to do so; to take care of myself.

I think the most important lesson a person with some kind of MI can have, is to know how to live well with their symptoms whatever their symptoms are. I second what I read on the website of the ‘Depression and Bipolar Alliance’ once: «What works for me does not have to work for you»! Those words are beautiful and full of respect for all of us as personal individuals!

Most of us feel frightened when we get a MI diagnose for the first time (whatever that diagnose is). Well, it is not the end. Life has still much to give us! (The threadstarter is a newbie and I want him to know that where he is now, we have all been, so we understand).