Trying to connect with just one child or friend as a start to getting that part of your life back sounds like a fine strategy. That old "one day/step/person at a time" approach to recovery is perhaps among the more reliable.

In general the meds/therapy advice is usually good, but I'd add the caveat of being sure it fits you uniquely. The meds have to be precisely the right ones for you at this stage or may do more harm than good. Finding a psychiatrist who really listens, who doesn't just try different drugs out on you till finding something that seems "good enough," isn't easy.

Similarly, therapy can help you understand what you're dealing with and find ways of dealing with this bipolar world of ours. However, this all requires our connecting with the right therapist for us--a companion to walk with us on this part of our journey. Not just anyone will do, because this is an intimate & pretty scary exploration of our inner world we'll be taking together. You have to trust your therapist--ideally, each other.

Things absolutely can get better for you. The work to make that happen & keep it going seems never-ending ... but life can certainly be worth the effort.

Okay, that's what I think! Welcome to PsychCentral, crazylaura. I hope you find it a safe & comforting place to be.