In my experience, drugs are necessary at times, although don't always have to be a "life sentence".
Drugs are also sometimes the best thing for people's symptoms.  You cannot control what your brain is doing (although exercise/yoga/therapy, stuff like that helps)-- sometimes the organic problems just need meds.

And, besides, dear-- take it one day at a time-- for now, just try to manage your anxiety and think positive thoughts. (I know, I know, easier said than done).

((((Jewel))))

(((((jewel))))

my heart goes out to you. i have had some friends w/ this disorder, and myself have dealt w/ depression. all of us have tried/ been on and off/failed on drugs.... therapy is a must!!
dont get hung up on the "label" of bipolar...as i understand it, the psych community's mentality is now looking to treat symptoms and not labels... b/c everyone is different, everyone responds to meds and their "cocktails" (not the martini-types. ha) differently. no ones mental disease/ condition mimics another's. it can be frustrating, and it can exhaustive, but it can also be managed.

i think its important to remain proactive in your being well... whether that means exercise, diet, strss reduction, therapy and/ or drug therapy, etc.  if something isnt working, speak up...if a therapist or doc  doesnt "click" w/ you, find another. i know it may seem overwhelming, but there are alot of people who are in similar situations.

good luck to you.  :-*

((Jewel)) Sorry I don't have much advice on my end either...be strong :)  Take care and if you ever need a shoulder to lean on, I, we, will be here  :)

In the words of Kevin Trudeau, I write my disclaimer:              "Before you read this you had better check with your medical doctor, your friends, your politicians, your priest, your rabbi, your psycic, and anyone you feel is smarter than you, and see if you can get permission to read what I have to say.
      You must know that everything I say in this is simply my opinion and that there are  many people who violently disagree with my conclusions. If you do anything I recommend without the supervision of a licensed medical doctor, you do so at your own risk.        present this information for educational purposes only. I am not making an attempt to prescribe any medical treatment, since under the laws of the United States only a licensed medical doctor (an MD) can do so.
                So this is only my opinions, my thoughts, and my conclusions. Again, it is for educational purposes only, and you and only you are responsible if you choose to do anything based on what you read."   (Kevin Trudeau)
                      Similar to the alchohol and drug situation, people see others who seemingly have "solved" their "problems" with some sort of chemical. Yet how many people bother to look at the hidden truth - in prisons, homeless areas, misdiagnosed people hidden away in mental wards, dead people in the cemeteries. If these poeple could (better) get their message out, would people be so accepting of the cold lies of the pusher?
               According to John Robbins' "Diet for a New America", (1987) out of the (1980s figures) 125 medical schools in the U.S., only 30 required a course in nutrition. The average amount of training in nutrition during 4 years of medical school for the average physician was 2.5 hours(!)
       Also, for you people who tend to put some trust in the medical establishment, may I ask that you look at the new post about vaccinations. Also you may want to look at the listing for the main ingredient in birth controll pills in the 1960 Merck Index and the  difference in the 1970 Merck Index.
          Would you rely on someone to build your house who does not care about the truth? The builder must - in his or her own way - know how to get things right, right??  Why would a person choose to entrust their body, perhaps their life, to a "doctor" who is PRACTICING medicine?
       Furthermore, many, perhaps most medicines have been tested upon unwilling animals. Would you expect your  "doctor" to tell you the truth about where a particular "medicine" came from and/or the ingredients?
         Depending on what source a person might refer to, the #1 cause of death and illness in this country is iatragenic (medical establishment induced) disorders. (#3 according to the AMA).
      Perhaps my information is a little bit outdated, and/or perhaps a little bit off(?)  Personally I would agree with the others on this thread who suggest exercize. I would also suggest nutrition and getting more in touch with nature, and our evolutionary/biological  roots such as going to bed with the sunset and rising with the sunrise - etc.  A person's "illness" is often a message that one has strayed from one or more of the above paths.
        Feel welcome to put up any doubts and/or questions. I urgently suggest that you visit Peter Breggin's website and also mindfreedom.com (or org)., and perhaps robertscottbell.com (or org).
     According to "Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You To Know About" by Kevin Trudeau (which I would also urgently suggest!):    "There are thousands of drugs that have been approved by the FDA because they were scientifically proven to cure or prevent disease, in addition to having been touted as safe. Then, years later, they have been taken off the market because they have been newly proven to either not cure or prevent those diseases as originally thought, or those drugs were found to have terribly adverse side effects that are simply too dangerous for people to use.
               There are virtually no medical facts. There are only medical opinions. You need to choose the opinion that makes the best sense for you."

       (Edit; I'm not sure how it happened, but somehow the printing changed while typing.)

Jewel5111, et al

You are not "bipolar." Just as someone diagnosed with cancer is not "cancer." Rather, the bipolar condition is a part of the wonderfully complex person that you are.

Being diagnosed with a bipolar condition means that you likely experience manic episodes of depression and hypomania, feelings of hopelessness, of worthlessness. On the upside, it also means that your heightened sensitivity translates into a deeper sense of compassion, creativity and that you are someone who is incredibly industrious and hard-working. An overachiever maybe? :) Those who know you are attracted to these qualities and appreciate you for them too.

I still make the mistake, still kick myself, when I say so-and-so "is bipolar." This bipolar branding is so commonplace in media and conversation. A poorly informed population. But I am trying, and do my best to inform and correct myself.

Understanding it as "Jane Doe been diagnosed with a bipolar condition," instead of saying "Jane Doe is bipolar" has helped me understand bipolar conditions and appreciate those in my circle of friends who have been disgnosed with such. And subsequently not reducing him/her to a diagnosis, but instead appreciating the friend as a whole, has helped me foster healthier, more loving relationships in my personal life.