Hi everyone....I'm the newbie. I was researching something else when the word bipolar leapt out at me. I'm also bipolar. I was diagnosed about 8 years ago, however I have suffered from bipolar disorder for many years. I am 46 years old and have been doing wonderful after finding the right meds. (I'm also ADD and have epilepsy). I've had seizures since I was 6 weeks old and have taken more meds than I care to discuss LOL. My wonder drug was effexor. I've been on Depakote for many years and of course it is used to keep me "out of the attic" as well as treat my seizures. The effexor is used to keep me out of the "basement" and the adderall helps me to stay focused on it all! LOL Seriously, I have done the gambit from comtemplating suicide to thinking I was going to write the next best seller! Having a mental disorder is extremely exhausting and since no one can see the problem alot of people think it is your imagination. But I've learned to live a happy and fulfilling life in spite of my disorders. It takes time, a good doctor and the right medication! :wave:

Welcome aboard! I'm 50 yrs old and a Type I Bipolar, not diagnosed properly until I was 30. I'm also pretty well stabilized on lithium and am glad to meet another "med compliant" person!!!

hi, you are both inspiring to me. i can't wait to become med compliant! i'm tearing my hair out (not literally of course but wit BPs you never know :D)

Hi! I'm new here, too. I'm still in the unconvinced I'm bi-polar category but as the meds for bi-polar work better than anything, I'm fast becoming a believer. I never had the classic mania but definitely haven't been healthy, either. So.....I'm currently coming down from lithium, which seems to have left me more depressed than ever, and am slowly increasing my lamictil, which has made me feel so much better. Aside from the acne (lithium?) things are pretty good.

Welcome. I am also a new member. 38 years old, diagnosed 6 yrs ago, finally something like stable in the last 6 months. Currently taking 1.2grms Lithium daily.
Looking back I can see Bi-P in me since I was a child. It takes time and patience (not patients...) I like the support you can get from this site, it really helps. Good luck.