Hi, im new here too, but not new to bipolar. I first started
having symptoms in "87". ]

i understand about the mood swings one pole to another
and friends it seems dont understand nor want to. The
bottom line is mental illness scares most people and it
took me a long time to accept that, sometimes our friends
and family dont want to hear about it. It doesnt mean
they dont want to be your friends or family member they
just need time to adjust and so do you.

A support group would certainly help here's a national
mental health organization that most likely has a chapter
in your area. It's called nami "national allience mental illness
here's there web site to look up a local listing.

Http://www.Nami.Org/

plus support forums like this can be helpful. Here's another
one, I visit. This link has been removed im sorry I dont give
out my email address but I frequent both boards and would
be more than happy to answer any questions you might
have as I still remember how it felt so long ago without
any support myself. Hope to hear from you soon, rani

p.S. For anyone that is interested there is a bipolar chattroom. The people are really friendly and offer a lot of support to those who are bipolar or to the family or friends of the bipolar person. Go to about.Com and then click on the letter b for topics beginning with b. That will take you to the link you need to go to to get to chat. Go. Have fun.

I found a book that might be helpful to you. Called, "living without manic depression workbook" by mary ellen copeland. It might be helpful for those who are newly diagnosed and need some guidance.

I have learned so much and gotten so much support from this site. Please stay with us and ask questions.

That... Wait to see someone for an evaluation... Is confusing to me too. This is happening to me now!

Here in my area of michigan, we have a day treatment program in a hospital. When things get desperate, you are suicidal, etc, you can check in and have therapy everyday as well as see the psyc doctor every week who will adjust meds for you.

I highly recommend the university of michigan psychiatric unit. But you are about 6 hours from there...???? Was that cleveland or columbus?

I have a package of information that I give to family and friends. Some read it and some do not. But I am out to learn all I can about this disorder and share it with those who love me.

Any questions ask them here and someone will respond. I have been having computer problems and will have to wipe my hard-drive (again) so I will be off and then on again. But ask!!!!!!!!!

Ruby