Manic anyone?

[Motivated Mama]

So, I went to my annual physical this year and it ended up being a consultation with a referral to a psychiatrist.  Things were just so overwhelming for me.  I have suffered from repeated postpartum depression, having 4 pregnancies and 3 children in the last 5 years.  But I have also had elated times - this summer I juicefeasted because I was obsessed with feeling better through a raw food diet and juicefeasting was the absolute extreme.  I lasted 43 days and I felt great.  I also ran, but after my miscarriage, I went into another slump.

Currently, the psychiatrist has me diagnosed as mental disorder, not otherwise specified.  When I am depressed, I tend to drink, so that depresses me more.  I quit drinking this past week due to my pyschiatrist's recommendation.  I am on 200mg of Lamictal a day and I sometimes take medications to aid sleep.  I started running again this last week and I feel WONDERFUL.  Nothing is bad - my children are beautiful and happy, my job is great, my goals are plentiful, I just feel so GOOD.

So, is it because I stopped drinking?  Are the medications working?  Is it the exercise (although I didn't feel this way when we did P90X in October, 2 months post m/c)?  Or am I entering a possible manic phase?

What do those of you out there with recurrent major depression, postpartum depression, or bipolar disorder experience?  What do you think?

[Motivated Mama]

Update:  I think the meds are working and I just feel good.  I don't think I'm manic, just happy. 

[Naturopath Mom]

I'm glad you are feeling some joy and that your meds are working. It's good to be happy :)