{{{{{Jenna}}}}}

Sweetie, i feel for you!

Finding the right meds is a HUGE chore. I have yet to find mine and I have tried combos of several you mentioned as well as a long list of others including Lithium. Of all I tried over several years, Lithium got the job done. The real crux is weighing your symptoms against the side effects. For me, the side effects were more debilitating than my symptoms.

The meds are only part of the answer. Finding your support system is another part. Even if your husband is as supportive and understanding as he can be, and learns as much as he can about bipolar disorder, he will never be able to understand the way others with the disorder can. This website has helped me more than any med ever could.

These other things have helped me:

Music Therapy--my best days often start with listening to classical piano music. I've read that it can change your body from acid to alkaline...I don't know if that's true but it works miracles for me!

Pet Therapy--animals give you unconditional, pure love.

Hugging! When I come home, no matter my mood, I hug each of my family members. I am much less likely to have an outburst at them when i do this because I'm keenly aware that I care deeply for them and they for me.

Avoiding people who trigger anxiety, anger, or negativity.

Filling my time with creative projects like gardening & music.

Jenna, I wish you success in your journey...you have come so far and have far to go. I think your story will inspire many. Keep in touch.