I want to say something short and sweet.  I started suffering from BiPolar Disorder in my late teens and did not receive a diagnosis until my mid-40s.  We all know the drill, suicide attempts, the black cloud, the full of energy mania. 

My words today are of hope.  I am now well managed on just a few meds.  I have a wonderful and supportive husband.  There is hope for a normal, fully-functioning life.  Do not give up.  You have to be your own best advocate.  Do not take no for an answer.  Push for the answers and meds that work.  Once the meds have started to work, all of the self-healing can start.  And that makes you feel better.  The apologies and bridge building with those you have hurt can start. And that is when your life really starts to come together. It is worth the effort to heal and to manage this terrible illness.  Life has a lot to offer when the view of your world isn’t changing all of the time.  It is worth walking away from the highs of the mania to have an even day to day life.  I never abused drugs or alcohol, so I don’t know what to tell anyone who is self-medicating.  I do know it isn’t the answer - Just another hole to climb out of it on the way to a happy life.  Good Luck and hold your head high…you do matter!