I first was diagnosed w/ BP at 18. I was at college. I was having a great time partying and meeting new people. I never felt popular in high school so I was determined to change that in college. Then it all came crashing down. One morning I was so depressed and crying hysterically. I called my parents and told them I had to get out of there. I was only back from winter break two weeks. I found out some time later that my parents could not get the money that they paid for my second semester back. This made me feel pretty bad.

Anyway, to make a long story short, I never graduated from a 4 year college. I went to business/technical school which I graduated from. Not being a college grad is something I feel that Bipolar definitely interfered with.

Twenty some odd years later, I've been able to work (several different jobs, though), I've gotten married and I have an 11 year old son and an eight year old daughter. Even though bipolar feels like it could totally ruin your life, it doesn't have to. You cannot let it. One thing this illness has given me is some strength!