John, 28 and male, Bipolar Disorder II, Social Anxiety Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder.

It has been within a time span of approximately 2 years that I have been diagnosed with the above illnesses. When I found out that I had Bipolar Disorder and BPD, I was actually relieved because it meant that I wasn't merely a 'freak' or someone with a 'bad attitude' or 'sour outlook' on life. There was a biological (RE: Bipolar) reason for my moods. I have attempted suicide several times since I was about 15, but I have never been one to cut myself or practice self-mutilation. While my mood swings generally go towards the depression end of the scale, I've definitely had my moments where I would go two or three days without sleeping and my speech and thoughts were so fast that they couldn't be caught. Since my diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and BPD I've been on Lithium, Depakote, Tegretol, Ativan, Wellbutrin, and Zyprexa. I've also been to one-on-one counseling as well as group therapy. So far, I unfortunately seem to be one of the few who has a resistance to the more well known therapies. 

As a sufferer myself, I feel that my own personal experiences could benefit someone else who has been diagnosed with one or more of the same illnesses. Also, since my information is coming 'from the horses mouth', I could help family members, spouses or friends learn to understand what it is like for someone to live with these diagnoses. 

My email is: jvermaes@yahoo.com