Hi! My question is about the future. I am 24 and have been worrying a lot lately. I am in a serious relationship (my boyfriend is aware of my bipolar) and have been thinking about our future and the thought is leaving me feeling anxious. I would consider myself to have a less severe case of bipolar, but it is enough to interfere with my life and relationship. I have attempted suicide before and, while I am not currently suicidal, I worry that I will get to that point again. Being so young, I worry about getting older. In short, I have a feeling I won't grow to old age. This makes me want to tell my boyfriend, whom I love immensely, to go away and not waste his time. I also worry about having children one day. Going through the extreme hormones of pregnancy and after terrify me. Also, having children grow up with a mother who isn't all there (I also have severe anxiety) or passing on the gene for it is enough for me to consider never having children even though it is something I have a strong pull to do one day.

To wrap up and get to the point...I was hoping for some reassurance from older bipolar patients that I can live a long life and have a somewhat normal life. Or more importantly, that my future children can have a normal life.

Thank you for any comments.