Okay that really helps !! Thank you !

Now I feel I can offer more informed advice

*** I am not a doctor and not diagnosing , just some thoughts***

I’ll start this off saying the vast majority of people with BP or and mood disorder builds up slowly over time, we don’t really see it until something big happens or we start to struggle with daily life and relationships. Once we get our feet under us and we look back we can start to see things. Of course there are people that literally implode, psychotic breaks out of nowhere it’s just not that common.

Relationship troubles especially within groups of people can be tough but yes latching on to one more so and probably you did act “ off” or to use the “ crazy” word. Maybe age is a factor ?

Hmm first ... Lots of people have bpd co morbid with Bipolar nos 1 or 2 .. generally “ most everyone “ BP has at least one or two traits..

As for your medications tried.. usually a Pdoc if they suspect BP likes to start with Lamictal or Lithium some at the same time , which I think muddies the water if side effects pop up .. what’s doing what?!! Lithium is the gold standard treatment as it was the first medication made specifically for BP after all. Lamictal is a seizure medication but long ago if was found to had a “ mood stabilizer effect” most everyone tolerates it if it’s titrated up correctly. It works in the back ground it just gradually works on the depressive end , it does nothing for hypo/mania.

Putting a possible BP person on a ADHD Med or an AP can cause a total mess.

When a person complains of insomnia so many Pdoc are now just reaching for AP’s , I don’t agree with that , sure maybe someone strung out for months of no sleep give them an AP or say Ambien short term , allow a person to get some rest. Then start addressing the symptoms.

Was your husband with you for each session ? I can’t imagine going to Therapy and my husband with me unless it was marriage counseling.

But anyway. Since your struggles are impacting your life so much I think a T would be very helpful, it’s hard to learn coping skills on our own if we are just bouncing around banging into things. I can teach you numerous ones but sitting in a room with a trained T walking you through each step and making corrections right away? Those skills you will truly know how to do and actually be able to use them when you really need them the most.

Having an auto immune disease does make treating other medical conditions often more difficult and psych meds are so touchy to begin with ... it really needs to be your GP and Pdoc working together

Ability is known for weight gain , but you might find that a mood stabilizer is all you need... or you might want to not try or go on any medications right now ... that’s fine too. I’ve been Med free since last March ... it’s not been easy, I’ve had a lot of situational stuff and physical meds interacting causing more health problems ... so it’s been a struggle, white knuckle at times.

My husband and I gave an agreement, if I’m not doing well and I can’t see it ? I will go back on meds... why? Because my husband deserves the best me possible. Med weight gain was one of the reasons i got off Meds but I also quit other non psych meds , I just wanted to give my body a chemical break.

If your husband is okay with you off meds and your able to function well , get chores done etc and your not finding your symptoms too destressing then focus on Therapy work, there no such thing as too many coping skills.

But if you have a talk with loved ones and they voice concern over your wellbeing please do listen.

Put a frog in a pot of cold water turn in the burner it won’t even know it’s being destroyed unless someone stops it.

Effectively treating Bipolar means from all sides, meds? Quality sleep, diet , exercise, meditation, mindfulness , coping skills , a literal truck load, being able to go about you day productive, if you have a mountain of laundry you not washing that IS a problem, jack of personal care , bathing daily, clean clothes. I personally look like a HoBo while at home, ratty clothes , but I can dress appropriately when I need to go out. Lots of studies recommend drinking warm water with one squeezed lemon for helping with anxiety.

Ok I have blabbed on and on , but thanks for throwing it all together.

You can get help or wing it alone ... You just have to make the best choice (s)for you and your loved ones.