Another welcome to PC!
I agree with everything all the above posters said!
I was diagnosed around 15-18 years ago (I'm starting to lose track...lol) and in that time have only had 3 major episodes. Mine present as depressions that last several months.
Except when I need more meds to stop the major depressions - my standard meds are an AD and mood stabilizer. No one in 3D would ever know I live with this illness, and the ones I tell who I feel safe doing so with, are always amazed!
Life can be good again!
Warmly