Bipolar or something else? (A bit long)

[forwheniamweak]

I am a 21 year old female, diagnosed with bipolar I when I was 18 years old (after a hospitalization due to self injury). For the last year or so, I have been feeling strange. This is going to be a bit long, so bear with me, please, I would really appreciate some answers. Here is a bit of history.
I was diagnosed with depression at 15. After that, I was put on several medications (at different times, of course), which included Wellbutrin, Lexapro, Celexa, Zoloft, and Prozac. None of these seemed to have any lasting effect. At 18, I was hospitalized and diagnosed bipolar. I have always experienced extreme highs and lows consistent with bipolar disorder, as well as anxiety. Over the last year is where things have gotten worse.
My "normal" mood is either anger or depression. I have very short periods where I am content. My mood moves incredibly quickly between depression (during which I have self-injurious episodes and excessive alcohol intake), rage (during which I attack loved ones with arguments that make no sense to the victim), and anxiety (similar to the rage episodes, but with panic attacks during which I cry excessively, attack someone and then apologize like its the end of the world).
I am being medicated, for the past 2 weeks. Normally, I would have just assumed that these symptoms were due to my body adjusting to new medication, if they hadn't been going on for so long. It only seems that they have been getting worse since starting medication. I am currently taking Sertraline, Lithium carbonate, and Risperidone. I am here requesting opinions/information because I currently do not have health insurance. It is hard enough for me to see a doctor and get this medication, but seeing a psychologist in California is bordering on impossible at this point.
In case it is relevant, I have a decent diet and I exercise 7 days a week.

I guess there are two parts to my question.  A) Is what I'm feeling typical for someone with bipolar disorder, or could it be something else?  Also, I have heard a lot of people telling me to get off the meds, but in case it wasn't clear, I am no better off when I'm not taking them.  So I suppose part B) is.. What should I do?

Thank you, anyone giving me serious answers.

[healthgal42]

first of all if you have been officially diagnoised with bi polar the last thing you want to do is get off the meds. that is not something you need to mess around with. your body is going to take an adjustment to new meds. are you keeping daily track of your ups and downs on the mood tracker here. i find it very helpful.  also have you applied for social security disability?? i am only saying because this is considered a disability and interfering with your life. that way you can apply for medical insurance to help you with your meds. i can totally understand the cost of it and unfortunately the government sux when it comes to the elderly and the ill to help them with needed meds. please try this route and express to your dr you cant afford your meds and need them but what can i do??  also give yourself time to adjust to the meds. its gonna take alot and frustrating trust me i know. i have adhd, depression and anxiety and have to take a mix and its sux!! one day i am feeling energized and than the next i want to cry and sleep. now put pms on top of the moods omg!! danger aboard

[Anneinside]

Sounds like it could be borderline personality disorder or bipolar. They share many symptoms.