Harpgirl; I have tried lith, 3 different times. Alone and combined with other stuff and for long periods. I dosn't work for everyone and I guess I'm one of them. To me, ALL that stuff is designed to beat you down and turn your brain into mush - right where the docs want ya (or where they think you are better off anyway). The side-effects are huge and untenable (for me)...

Glad to hear you think the description could be of some value. I cringed to log back on and look at this. Now I feel better (about it). And that doesn't happen much anymore...

To me, half the battle is realizing what you have - and as you said - the description is (and should be) similar to other cases. But every case is different too. I'm pretty certain I have now drifed into what's considered to be a "mixed state" where you are manic and depressive at the same time (most of the time)- so much for the two being opposites huh?

Once you understand the dynamics and know what to expect, it is possible to heal yourself well past the point where meds would be effective, at least for me, but maybe I'm lucky. I don't know. But I still long for that majic potent too. That's my current opinion and strategy anyway and I'm not recommending that anyone else try it - certainly and at least not iniatially. In fact, I'm not recommending anything. This was just to tell how easily clinical depression can be mistaken for what's really bi-polar (and clinical depression for a good case of the blues for that matter - but where to draw the line???). And its hugely important to identify what you have. Lord knows its hard enough just to admit you're depressed and need help to begin with. That's what I've learned. And every case is different and I have no doubt many will find something they are tolorant to. The main thing is knowing. Its a long journey.

No I haven't read Jamison's book as yet. Believe it or not, I came across a discussion of it on the tube one night this past winter - and I wrote down her name and then lost the note a few days later. Thanks for the reminder.
Best wishes, P