Bipolar is highly genetic and often stress can trigger a first episode. I started showing symptoms at 8 (1st attempt), but I had a highly stressful childhood. Even if I didn't have a stressful childhood I would have still had bipolar, but it probably wouldn't have presented until my late teens, early twenties.

Bipolar made me not be my "true self", but when I was first diagnosed and placed on medication I had to get to know who the real Beth was. I had lived so many years symptomatic that become the norm for me. I ran on hypomania and it built the career I have now, but the mood swings were brutal and the depression nearly killed me. Now 3 years after my diagnosis and on medication I feel more stable, and I feel like I'm the person I was supposed to be.

Finding the right medication combo can be very frustrating, but there are many options out there. In May I had a complete med change and I feel much better. For me I could never go off medications and when I started my new mood stabilizer (lamictal) it had to be increased very slowly. Not being on a therapeutic dose while waiting to get to a full dose was hell and reminded me of how bad I am without meds. Hope that helps.