Hi, I'm Bipolar 2.
I've only been diagnosed within the last several years, but I was told at least 7 years ago by a doctor that he thought I was bipolar, even though a quick assessment by a Pdoc stated otherwise.
I remember the overwhelming feelings of anger and dread that I had and still get to this day. It was boxing day and we were expecting company for dinner. Everything was ready and waiting, when my husband said something to me that hurt me, and I freaked out. I threw my piano keyboard across the room, along with other things and then I tipped over a very large wall unit which had my tv and other electronics in it, plus books and encylopedias. The wall unit was wooden and glass with lights in it and measuring 7 ft tall by 10 ft long. I don't know where I got the strength. It took 2 very strong men to lift that wall unit normally. When I look back on it today, what I remember the most are my kids running around the livingroom trying to dodge the flying objects and screaming "no mommy, no, stop it please!!" They hid behind a big chair that was in the corner. I don't remember what happened later that day, everything seems to be a blurr. From that day onward, I tried coping. Occasionally taking prescribed antidepressants...most of them rendering me useless because my body just wouldn't adjust to them.
about 5 years ago, I walked into my doctor's office proclaiming that I felt like killing my husband, children and myself. She sent me to see a Pdoc immediately. I felt stupid being rushed to the clinic by ambulance.I couldn't cope with the kids anymore, and was afraid for their lives. I sent them out to foster care. I kept telling myself it was the right thing to do. I live in a small community...only about 700 ppl here...everyone knows everyone else's business. I really could care less what the town thinks of me, but I have a terrible reputation here.
The Pdoc that I was seeing liked to write prescriptions and listen to himself speak. I later came to find out that he was treating me for schizophrenia. I spent the months to follow taking high doses of antidepressants and mood stabilizers, and sitting around in a haze. I hated it and became more depressed. One day I stopped taking it all and wouldn't go back to see my Pdoc.
I ended up seeing a therapist appointed by CPS with my kids and the wonderful therapist referred me to see a new Pdoc.
Since all of this has happened, My kids (ages 21 & 18)and I are trying to mend our relationships. They know my diagnosis and have been learning about it. My daughter hasn't really forgiven me and we clash....big time!! She is a big trigger for me because she treats me as if I was just one of her social friends whom she can say anything to, and be disrespectful towards. I really think she may be bipolar.
My husband can be really good, or a complete a*s. He's attended doc appointments with me, we've explained things to him, but he doesn't quite grasp it all. He thinks that the drugs should take care of everything and I should be "normal"..the perfect wife as such! 
My husband is 15 years older than I am, and has a certain view of life and the way things "should" be. There are alot of days that I'd like to slap him..HARD!
To date, I feel that I am fairly stable, but there are times I wonder, because I spend most days alone. There are no triggers for me , only myself. Hubby is gone from 6am until 7pm , Monday to Friday, then when he comes home, it's shower, dinner, brief conversation, some tv and off to bed again. I don't go out anywhere, unless it's absolutely necessary....I don't have a driver's license. Ocassionally I may go for a short walk, but I also have Fibromyalgia, and it makes walking a chore. There are days that I just want to end it all....more days that I care to admit. Then there are days that I'd like to beat and punch everything around me. Once upon a time, my manic episodes consisted of me going around the house , cleaning and tidying up and being very particular about the appearance of everything, but also being critical because I felt I didn't do it well enough. I also wanted to get outside and move around...alot! Now, my manics are usually the same, but also followed by a rapid cycle of emotions...I"m like a whirlwind. A few months ago, my husband came home to find me in the middle of a rapid cycle and tried calling the doctor. I ran across the room, screaming at him, and tackled him to the floor to get the phone. I completely overpowered him. When I came to the realization of what I did, I totally broke down crying, laying in the fetal position in the middle of the floor. Then a calmness washed over me and I fell asleep. My husband left me there. We didn't speak for hours after the incident.
I worry about my future and that of the people around me. My son and his wife is expecting a child in April 2009...I'm excited, but scared to death! I want to do the normal grandparent things with the child, but what happens if it ends up being like it was when I had my children young? I'll never be able to live with myself it anything happens.
I hate this disease, and the never knowing what's going to happen next feeling. My Pdoc increased the celexa from 10 - 20 mg and changed my Lithium 600 mg to Lithuim SL 600mg. I guess it's only a matter of time before I see how things will be.
Sorry for going on and on, but it's so much easier to type it out, than trying to talk it over with people.
Hugs to all
Lorraine