I am so glad we can help you - you're right this place is invaluable. I have those times, too and sometimes I have to vent/whine, too. Instead of trying to put on the happy face, it's nice that others understand. And I also know how hard it is to think the right way when it happens. In a "moment of clarity" I can try to say something to help, but even when I'm there I tend to lose perspective sometimes. I think we all do, that's why we need each other to remind us.
I'm glad Lexapro works for you, not every single BP is the same, for sure. The mania effect can be much more dangerous if you are type I, which is mania with psychotic episodes; Nickie and me are both. But like I said, lamictal is invaluable in BPs and very underpresribed. It has a stabilizing effect of keeping you from going too low, just like the depakote keeps you from mania. Ask your doc! I love it; so do myriads of others!
Curious, what bad effects did you hear of with Seroquel? Were the people you've seen have problems with it BP? It seems that all docs now are prescribing it for things it really isn't intended for like insomnia and anxiety. It is intended and indicated for psychotic episodes in BP and schitzophrenia. Other people tend to be way oversedated from it. It's usually great for most BPs because it doesn't usually have the weight gain issue. It really does depend on the dose, some docs prescribe way too much or not enough, it has to be adjusted to suit the individual.
I'm glad you have learned to deal with your spending. That's a really bad part of BP. I actually bankrupted us, I think I told you, but when I was stabilized all that urge completely went out the window. I NEVER buy things I don't need anymore and even manage to keep a small savings account. That's something I have never done before. I no longer have to juggle checks to pay bills or wait until payday. There isn't much extra of course, but we get by ok. since I can't work anymore that kind of hurt us, but I get almost half what I used to make through disability. I don't ever tell other poeple I am on it, of course, they dont' understand how bad the illness is, but I feel I worked my ass to the bone and then some - I "paid my dues" into SS and I deserve to get the benefit - i am not ripping anyone off or just being lazy. Besides, my pdoc told me for threee years to stop working because it was making me so ill. I resisted due to my pride. It finally got too much and I was physically sick all the time, and in the mental ward, too! lol.
Anyway, there I go rambling again. 
I'm glad you are doing well, talk to you later! 