I had come to a place where I was 'stable' and life was going along pretty well. No major depression and no manic episodes upset the balance. I was only going to the therapist once a month and the psychiatrist every 2-3 months. The Lamictal was keeping me together.

Then something major (not good) happened in my life and I went into a hyper-manic state. Not only did I go over the top but I decided I didn't need any medication at all so I stopped taking everything. I totally forgot that Bipolar Disorder is an illness and, for me, needs to be controlled by medication. My psychiatrist said I became psychotic and I kept forgetting things and having hallucinations. He gave me Seroquel, a major tranquilizers, but after taking 1 pill that knocked me out I refused to take anymore. I think I frightened my therapist because he referred me to someone else.

Eventually I came down, way down, from the episode and tearfully asked everyone what had happened. It scared me a lot and I started back on my Lamictal and added Abilify and now I getting back on track. Maybe I got too complacent but I'll be more wary from now on. My new therapist is very experienced with Bipolar and other Mood Disorders. She will watch me and warn me when I'm 'going too far' - either way.

So my advice to others with Bipolar Disorder is to remember that it is a disease and needs to be monitored. Whether you take medication or an alternative treatment, be vigilant and pro-active in your progress.

RoadLessTraveled