Hello- i'm bi-polar and was dx 10yrs. Ago. Your symptoms from what you wrote to me sounds more like depression. Depression is only one side of being bi-polar. You can however have a long episode of one or the other, which makes it difficult to be dx because your cycles are so long, it often gets over looked, or takes longer to be dx. It could also be your thyroid. I also have hypothyroidism, and beleive me, before I was put on a supplement I didn't want to do anything . I mean even going to the bathroom was a big effort. Your thyroid gland is the gas tank--and when ther is no gas--there is no energy, memory is low, sex drive is--well there's none. So request a tsh blood test to be done (thyroid stimulating hormone). You levels can only be done by this specific test. Good luck. Let us know how things turned out.

I have had all the bloodwork, been chasing all the ghosts of other illnessess but it has come down to bipolar. There are other details that I haven't mentioned. Sometimes in a day I am a rapid cycler. I have family that is being treated. I have put my family in financial straits 3 times now. I just seem to be predominently depressed. I don't stay up very long. Down longer.

Thanks for replying. I held out hope that one of the tests would come back and show a different "illness"

i don't have too many allies right now. Although my hubby has chosen to stay by my side time and time again, he really doesn't understand why I don't just pull myself up by the bootstraps and get on with my life. I only started intensive counseling about 1 month ago and just was recently put on meds. They had to try a low dose to make sure my heart wouldn't react. I see the psych today and I am about ready to just scream with all the anger I feel right now. I told my husband last night that we might as well end things. We have been married for 10 years and have three children. Why did I say that? I felt ignored, like I am just another grouchy "broad" instead of in real need. To make matters worse my period is about to start so I think I am feeling everything magnified. I don't know. Right now I just feel like burying my head in the sand.

Well now with all the "little" extras you didn't mention, well it makes the story a little different. I'm also married 10yrs. Now, but with only one child (boy-now 16yrs). It takes a pretty understanding person to live through/with someone with bi-polar illness. But it also takes a bigger person to "live"with it. I was dx about 1yr. After our marriage, but had the symptoms for about 3yrs. Prior (about the time we met) I was in a long state of mania and of course along with that (for some) comes the hypersexual behavior-so my husband (boyfriend at the time)(waiting for my first divorce to be finalized-my son is from that marriage). So with this my husband thought he'd died and gone to heaven!!
Then--my dive down which lasted for about 3months (i also have a tendency to be more depressive). This when I was dx. Over the years. I have learned to "curb" my tongue-which you will also have to learn. I know what it's like to all of a sudden get these frustrated feelings, and storm through the house making demands, but you have to learn to acknowledge your signs and find meditation, breathing --whatever helps you learn to "cool" and not say threatening things to your relationship. Your husband also needs to learn about your situation, and that it is an illness and not your fault. Like diabetes, ms or even a kid that has add or adhd (last two are also chemical imbalances) (part of our brain doesn't give us the balance of the chemicals for highs/lows to keep us in level-thats why we need our medication). I only work part-time and I work 12hr. Shifts. I am lucky that I have a well paying job, so I only work 2 shifts a week, then you can bet your life that i'm sleeping most of the 3rd day. I live my life more spontaneously, as I never quiet know what I will feel like the next week. I know this sounds like it probably would be harder for you since you have 3 children, but you will find a system that will work for you. But pleases! Please! Watch what you say!! We can get pretty cruel, and harm can be done. So educate, ask for help from your husband and remind him, that this is not your fault, and it could ;have happened to him. Good luck!
Keep in touch.