Suffered psychosis since age 11, I was dx'd with bipolar 1 at age 17., after two suicide attempts, and one run away from the hosp. I was put on meds. I was still psychotic, however I decided the meds were not for me and neither was Bipolar. I was a homeless youth and I just wanted to go back to my "home".

I continued to struggle with many ups and downs as well as psychosis for many years, through one marriage, and three kids. I was in college starting over after I fled an abusive marriage when I had a very long bad manic episode. I managed to make it through collage, but hit a crippling depression right after, I was then dx'd a second time with Bipolar 1.

I have been in treatment ever since, five years ago. I am on disability and I found that almost as hard to accept as the illness. It has taken me many years to accept my illness and comply with meds. I am still very much a work in progress.

Sorry to cut so short, and not include everything you asked for, I am having a real hard time making any lengthy replies lately