1. You don't have to be hospitalized. My first hospitalization was about 10 yrs after I was diagnosed and the reason I was hospitalized was lack of ability for proper out patient treatment.

2. You do not have to have spending sprees

It's not all about consequences. My leg starts shaking, confused, very anxious, hypergraphy, I bake, most of my mania symptoms are in my head. If you weren't my family (living with me) you wouldn't know most of the time.

I've had 2 T's sit there and tell me I'm not bipolar and not recognize my symptoms. This was very difficult for me as med compliance is not something I'm known to do. Please find a pdoc/pnurse and therapist that will work together to give you consistent treatment. Honestly I'd run from that therapist because s/he didn't consult my dr before telling me.