I suffered for years without knowing I had bipolar. I only ever get hypomanic, but I have left so many jobs, I can't remember them all. I kept moving from home to home, got divorced, had no money and struggled for many years, ruining my self esteem. Once I finally got some help, I have hope that I can still live a productive life after a recovery period and a good medication combo. I know it will take a while, but for the first time I have hope and an explanation for my past behavior.