Hi KristineZ, 

You've come to a great place where there are many people who have lived the same things you have and they have great advice to help you get through the day. If you are having a good day, we're here to celebrate with you, and if you are having a challenging day, we're here for that too. 

Online advice is not a replacement for your doctors advice. I have some links to information here that will help you gather your thoughts and ask all the right questions of your doctor when you see him/her. Together you can devise a plan to manage your care.

First, here is an overview of bipolar disorder. Here you can read a little about what being bipolar means to you and your friends and family. Here are the symptoms commonly associated with being bipolar. If you were seeing your doctor and he prescribed medication, you can read here about the different medicines prescribed to control bipolar disorder. Here is the treatments database, to read about the latest and current treatments for bipolar disorder.

I know you think you will be labeled but that should not keep you from getting something to help you get through the dark times. What happens between you and your doctor is between you and your doctor. There is a long discussion about people who were afraid to seek help when they were in college because the colleges were unaccepting of anything that could be construed as a mental deficiency. (including eating disorders, bipolar and depression) The article is located here, but the discussions in the comments section are good reading.

I hope you find something of interest in this information. Please don't lose hope and don't give up. Many people are living with bipolar disorder and to some extent it can be controlled. Also, there is a huge community here for you if you need us. Just let us know how you are doing and what we can do to help.

Please sta in touch. My prayers are with you!

Vicki M