Hi Julie, I don't have bipolar but have depression and am a survivor of abuses. While I'm alright now, I used to be dependent on SS for subsidy and have been on medications as well. I struggled a lot and often felt out of the loop, behind, inadequate, still am in some ways. Stablizing took at least 10-15 years due to situation/s and I've learned to not expect myself to be where everyone else is. Its one day at a time - it actually works. Now that I'm older (50) I'm thinking why was that so important to be like my friends....they're all not like each other either. Guess I'm saying give yourself time. Become what you need to be in your situation rather than how everyone else is. Don't measure yourself by what others are doing. Just do your own personal best one day at a time. Thats all that anyone needs to do.