Hi thumb, I was diagnosed three and a half years ago. I'm a few years more ancient than you. I've had a few situational depressions but I wasn't diagnosed with bipolar 1 until I experienced my first mania. It was severe and I went through virtually every thought and action associated with it. I was committed to a psych unit and when I got out after a week I plummeted into depression. I went back in for another week and when I was let go, I crashed even further. I was virtually catatonic. I made a serious sui attempt soon after that when I was paranoid psychotic. Meds pulled me back but I'm only just starting now to feel like my "normal" self. I'll never be 100% but I'm light years removed from where I started from. PC has been a blessing. I would never have come this far without it. Good luck to you......best.....grey