I just found this site yesterday and it has been helpful to me.  I have been suffering from severe depression since December 2008.  I was very sick with another MRSA infection and my HIV numbers were dismal.  MRSA almost got me this time.  If I had waited one more day I would have gone septic and died.  I became very depressed in the hospital, had a few major panic attacks and asked for psych help, as I knew I was not in my right mind.  All I wanted to do was die.  I am being treated for major depression, anxiety and bipolar2.  On Monday I woke up feeling euphoric.  Feels like the depression is gone.  I have had about eight hours of sleep in the past three days.  Another night awake.  My therapist stated Tusday night that it sounded like I have Hypomania.  This was confirmed today by my Psychiatrist.  I trust them both.  This has been a great feeling - a vacation from depression, but I do not like it anymore.  I feel like (excuse me for what fllows) a cat on a hot tin roof.  Looking back I have probably have had depression and mild forms of hypomania all my life, but never to the extent I have it now.  I have tried relaxation techniques, etc., but nothing seems to work.  I know the depression will come back kicking me in the butt, sooner or later.  I am a professional musician but my music is not helping me right now.  Can anyone tell me how he/she made it through their first major attack?  I thank you in advance for any advice you can give.