Welcome to the board.... I'm glad you found us..... I've not met very many people at all that can thrive off of medication..... They can for a while however we have a disorder that's presently chronic

I've been pretty stable for a long time..... Most of my problems now are created from something that's situational and may lead to a 'swing' and for me it's most often depression

However for the most part for several years I've been stable.... Big hug.....x

welcome .. I have been stable since 2009 with the help of medication ... I wish I had been on meds prior to this as manic spending caused me great debt.... please get help don't try to do it on your own ... this is like any other illness it needs treatment ... take care ((hugs)) polar

I have been stable and not hospitalized since 1979 when I began using lithium. I got a lot of inspiration from the Patty Duke books. Here is a very wealthy woman who could afford the best care but still had to struggle just like the rest of us. Get on the right meds, they're perhaps the most important part of our treatment.

I know I can't do it by myself and that I shouldn't try to 'be strong' or 'tough it out'. I've been on lamotragine and buspirone for anxiety before and those were nice for a bit, but for me medication is a tool and not something I want to be on for the rest of my life. I don't want to take medication forever it makes me feel weird. it is a useful tool and I'm not adverse to using it if I need to. I just prefer to be un-medicated and I have been successful in treating my bipolar depression, mania, and anxiety this way. At least I think so, and my family and friends think so. I experience bipolar type 2 with brief episodes of mania and psychosis that are pretty far between. I'm just young. and facing all these normal things young people grapple with, while at the same time I have a somewhat debilitating mental illness that is highly stigmatized.

I am unstable mentally, but have completely stable (and realistic) goals and aspirations. I am medicated, in therapy, and learning how to cope and love me. Not easy by any means.

I also hold a senior position with a very well known company, am married, and live a very boring life (boring to those on the outside- I love the simplicity). I face the "normal" struggles paired with the mental illnesses of both me and my spouse. Not for the faint of heart, but we make it happen and share joy in the mundane, little things.

You are 100% correct about the stigmatization. And that is something I grapple with.

My advice would be to find what works for you! I wish you the best!

Thanks everyone for your kind words of support. This is the best bipolar support group I've found. Thank you.

an unquiet mind by kay redfield jameson (sp?), a savage god by a alvarez, the mindful way through depression - by four writers, can't remember their names , it comes with a cd. all excellent books if you can get your hands on them or download them.

An Unquiet Mind is one of my favorite books on the subject!

yes, i love her books - so well written and easy to read - she also has done so much work in setting up the american association of suicidology in washington. i am glad to hear to are holding steady with two jobs and school. it can be a tough road to walk. keep posting here. it is a wonderful support. I am proud of all my successes and achievements and learning curves throughout the years with writing, chef work, teaching, most important job - bringing up three lovely children with big hearts and seeing many many beautiful sunsets! the tough times do indeed make you appreciate the good times a lot more!