Terry
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                        
                        
                        My husband is bi-polar.  He was diagnosed 14 yrs. ago.  We have had a lots of up and downs.  He took lithium which worked, but he had a lot of side affects. He is taking depakot, which works better and hardly any side affects.  He has been on it for a about 4 yrs.  It has kept the manic side completely in control.  He still fights with depression, but that is much better also.  Please get some help from a Psych. Dr.  You can lead a normal life with help.  God Bless!