Way back when I was diagnosed with MDD only I fought tooth and nail to not go on meds. I was only 21 and terrified. But I finally admitted that I had to sleep and that I needed medication for that and that it would be good if it helped the depression too. A few tries later I did feel better and sleep well (Remeron).

I was on and off meds for the next several years. By the time I was diagnosed with BP I had been on Celexa and ativan for months following months of trying meds and maxing out on them before they were fully helpful.

I'd been on lithium for about 2 months when I was diagnosed. I went on it for the protection against suicidal thoughts. My very bad pdoc at the time responded to my statement that my therapist suspected maybe bipolar was a factor by putting me on prozac. After that made me horribly mixed I found a doctor who knows everything about bipolar and he set me up with appropriate BP meds.

Frankly I was thrilled when I was on BP meds and not dealing with meds that made me worse.