17, 22, 25, & 26.

In those, you're doing some looking into your future. I'm 66, so my different perspective might offer a slightly better outlook. Though not wealthy, I've been on my own most of my life--supporting myself. I'm living now well above the poverty level. I'm very sensitive to meds, and if there's a side effect that can wreck my life I'll find it. But I've battled the doctors until I've gotten them to hear this:

You are not in charge of fixing me. I need a partner, a team member who can teach me coping skills and help locate the best drug available to treat my condition. I don't want either of us to ever settle for "good enough." And I want us to discuss and agree on decisions affecting me.

I went without a pdoc sometime & had bad ones but I kept fighting. It's worth it. Some bipolars can avoid medication altogether. Most cannot. For them--us--only with the right meds, properly maintained, can these bipolars reach their full potential. Otherwise, some might be better off without drugs. IDK. We shouldn't have to choose.

Don't *ever* give up, please.

Roadie