I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 three an a half years ago, after having my mother fight for the diagnosis for me from a young age. I have had classic symptoms since I was a preteen and have tried so may different meds it makes my head spin thinking about it. I am so glad to have stumbled upon this site and this forum. Thank you for your detailed posts! I have always had a hard time understanding my dx because it has never really been fully explained to me. Your posts have been helpful in helping me to understand this disorder, especially the one concerning hypomania! I cried reading some of this because I have struggled with episodes of moderate mania and sever depression since I was a kid. Im 28 years old now with 3 children, only one of whom lives with me, and it i STILL a daily struggle. This was such a help, and I don't feel so alone now! Thanks again!