"first let me say thank you to all who have posted. i have been hoping to find a forum like this. having suffered from depression and rapid mood swings (hypo mania) for more than 37 years it is a relief and very validating to hear other people&#039;s experiences if even if all of them are not applicable to mine .  i experienced a severe depression with a suicide attempt 36 years ago. since then a variety of medications have treated my depression quite well. i also found a loving husband and have a job i really like. those external things can make a big difference too. i started lamictal 15 years ago and it helped take away the rapid mood swings  &amp; lessened some of the stronger depressive moods.thanks to all for sharing. now i don&#039;t feel as alone"