I am bi-polar 1 and have had long periods of no problems even a stable10 year period with no medications. Then later in life I started having problems I try and stay on my medicine depakote because without it my moods are very unstable and I do not want any of the drama that has come from my unstable periods. I caused alot of grief and lost contact with my family over the mental illness. Just saying everyone is different and it is a hard illness to diagnosis. Kudos to you for reaching out for information.