Hi, Unholy Mess,
Jurneyman has given you some very good information.
Thanks, Jurney!
I suggest you take a look at these two sites to fully grasp the complexity of bipolar II diagnoses.
Dr Jim Phelps has a great site here, where he fully explains the entire concept of the bipolar continuum:
Bipolar II, Mood Swings without Mania; Brain Tours; Stress and Depression; Hormones and Mood; and more...
ANd here's a great site from the NY Times
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-ny-times.html (Bipolar information from the NY Times)
It will take some time to get through the both of them, but, they are full of important information. Feel free to post any ideas or questions that may arise.
As for suggestions as how to live with your diagnoses, there are a few that have been found to be helpful.
Keep a mood journal. This will help you discover how and when things effect you and if there are any patterns to your mood swings. On the journal, keep track of your meds. This allows you to see their effect. It will also allow your doc to adjust your meds more effectively.
And if you add your food and exercise, you will be able to witness, first hand, the benefits of proper nutrition and exercise on the disease.
Also, be sure to take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Eat nutritionally; avoid processed food, too much caffine, trans fats and other unhealthy junk foods. Exercise regularly.
Try to learn new things. It doesn't have to be rocket science, but, keeping fit mentally is important for our well being. And it adds to our self esteem.
Be gentle with yourself. Don't beat up on yourself if you're not perfect. None of us are. Self affirmations and treating ourselves from time to time are healthy life patterns. Make use of them.
Get in touch with your spirituality. If you already are, dig deeper. Honor your relationship with the Universe, or your Higher Power, whatever you refer to that Power as.
All of these measures are known to help. None of them are cures. But, every bit that we can do for ourselves is a positive good. These tools, along with our docs; our meds; and counseling if needed; can lead to a healthy and positive life.
Remember too that every life has its problems. Even people without mental health issues suffer from emotional turmoil when life hits them hard. So, not every set back will be a direct result of your illness, though it may be, too.
Only you, in connection with your doctor, can determine specifics during the course of treatment. You and your doc are partners in your health. So, be sure to be honest and share what's going on with him/her. It's the only way that your doc can effectively help you.
I guess these are the best tips I can think of to help in your recent diagnoses. I'm sure others will come along and help too, with more ideas.
I hope you enjoy the readings. I found them to be very helpful! Let me know what you think, ok?
Shalom!