Ok - so this is the 2nd entry of yours that I have read and I again identify....hmmmm

I have been trying to stay consistent with my meds too, and it is a bit hard. I had to write them on the calendar because I am stepping up in doses and am afraid I will lose track.

Being newly diagnosed and so freshly remembering how BAD I felt just a wk and half ago, I have good incentive to try to comply with meds.

I am a nurse by profession and I can't tell you how many times I have said, "If they would just be compliant with [med/regime/whatever] they would feel so much better " (good example, diabetic noncompliance and resultant negative outcomes)

I have fibromyalgia also and have experienced my negative outcomes to noncompliance but I have a feeling that if I am noncompliant with my Bipolar stuff I will have FAR MORE negative outcomes....so I hope that I can keep on keeping on...

I haven't explored the self help stuff on this site much yet...sounds like I should.

I was started on Lamictal and went to that website and they had some great forms, like diaries where you can track your cycles from lows to highs... I printed off a few and then "NEVER COMPLIED" with starting them.... I like your statement..."complacency, must fight it" (one of my lifetime, ongoing issues) I am going to start that log TONITE!

Another thing I had started was just plain old journaling - I hadn't done that in years and it actually was kinda helpful...I haven't complied with that in a few days, either... better hop to that also!

How are you tolerating Abilify? any side effects? Are you on any other meds? I am on my second week up stepping up on Lamictal and doing pretty well so far, so headaches but that seems to be all so far. I have a couple more weeks to go until "therapeutic range". I am hoping my practitioner will put me back on Cymbalta this Fri when I go see her also, my lows are still pretty low, not as bad, but I think I am ready for antidepressant now...will see...

I hope you don't mind my ramblings...Let me know if ya do, cindy