Depakote is a mood stabilizer and is OFTEN used to treat Mania.  I don't know if your doctor's bedside manner is lousy or what.  However, if you don't feel comfortable asking your doctor and expressing your concern, then you have may well look for a different doctor.

I agree that you shouldn't see that doctor anymore. It sounds like she doesn't really know how to help you with your bipolar so she's just trying to "BS" her way through treating you. My doctor put me through almost two years of drugs not working and her saying, "Well, have tried this? Have we tried this? Do you want to try this?" And take it from me, you want to stop it now because it just makes things worse. Depakote was one of the first drugs that I was put on and all it did was make depressed all the time. I would try to get in with another doctor as soon as possible so that you can be put on the right type of meds. I don't know what insurance you have, but most insurances have a place on their website where you can search for doctors that specialize in different areas that are located near where you live. Hope this helps, good luck