Ravenlee,

I can totally relate--it took ten years for me to be properly diagnosed with BP. Since my illness resulted in divorce and bankruptcy, I'll be dealing with the consequences pretty much for the rest of my life.

I have found that becoming a part of a bipolar support group is helpful; I feel more comfortable talking about bipolar issues and behavior among those who have been there themselves.I don't have much outside social interaction at the moment, since I have just moved in with my Mom to try and get things together, but I try to limit how much I tell others about my condition; it's hard enough to get to know folks without dropping that on them, unless of course my illness winds up affecting them in some way.

These are things we all have to go through; all I can say is get your support system together--for me that's mdoc, pdoc, T, 3D support group and online support (all of you here) and family and friends.

I wish you well, PM me if you need to talk.

Hugs,
DJ