Well cat... I am also bipolar II. I feel like I am reading about me in what you wrote. I also take Trileptal as my primary mood stabilizer. I also take Lamictal, Risperdal, and a small dose of Seroquel to sleep at night. I have been on Abilify but wasn't having good results so it was discontinued. I have been having problems lately after having reached a period of relative stability for a few months. My pdoc basically said to me that Lithium is my only option left to try to get control. What are your reasons for hesitating taking the lithium??? Just interested in your thoughts about it. I'm sorry you're having trouble right now. I know all too well that it's a horrible struggle every day. Hang in there!