Everyone brings up some good stuff. Here's an experience to consider (yeah, I'm <cough> quite a bit older than you.. ). I *used to* very much feel weak for my moods/behavior before I was properly dx'd and medicated. We're talking like 30 years. Could NOT understand why I couldn't "just" do like other people and have more control over these things. Surely, it must have been "personal failings", as everyone who wanted to sweep it all under the rug and ignore it suggested. When it was finally figured out that it was bipolar, it was such a relief to know that it wasn't just me and that there was something I could do about it. Medicate. It's not perfect, but it's a *whole* lot better than it was. Most importantly, it made me feel _strong_ enough to deal, a good part of the time anyway, with things. That I don't feel so much at the complete mercy of my wiring, you know? Weak for needing medication? No. Just damn glad it exists.