I almost always suffered from depression.

In the 1980's I become very depressed and was prescribed cocktails of anti-depressants and many long hours of therapy. In spite of this I tried to commit suicide numerous times.

I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder about 20 years ago. Then I was prescribed Lithium and many other drugs. I hated Lithium and the way it made me feel. This was one of the reasons I stopped using the drug and tried alternative solutions such as fasting and eating a very raw diet. I lost a lot of weight, felt good about myself, and believed myself to be cured. So this was when the denial period began. I was adamant that I suffered from no mental illness or depression - even though evidence did not support this view.

After numerous severe episodes I had to acknowledge that I am in fact suffering from bipolar disorder and medication would be the only solution.