Almost all cases of bipolar are an ongoing and constant practice. I can say I have come a long way from where I was 7-8 years ago. Some people get lucky and get stable fast but most of us have invested years in our process to get a little headway. But we decided we wanted to get out enough to get help even if it was hard. I didn't get help because I was afraid I couldn't live any other way. I didn't get help because I was addicted to the intensity of life I lived as an untreated Bipolar Sufferer ( I am no longer a sufferer, I am a survivor). I didn't get help because I was afraid no one would understand. I didn't get help because I didn't want to face life, because I had effectively developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from so many failures at work, in relationships, in my life in general. It was too much to face. To close, I am glad I got help and I hope you do as well. Please stay safe. We will be here if you need us.