Hi.
I'm going to speak honestly with my response.

I feel strongly that it ruined my life. I've made such bad choices in my life while manic never considering the outcome. I don't understand the good folk that state they wouldn't trade their Bipolar Disorder if it meant giving up their Manic stages.

To me, it's been devastating. I did not receive a dx until last year at age 52 and it all became very clear to me. Today I'm under the care of a tdoc, pdoc and just began a local weekly Bipolar and Depression self support group that I which was every day.

Today I'm 53, bankrupt and about to be foreclosed on and each one of these I can directly tie to Bipolar. Each day I'm taking care of my responsibilities the best I can but just to answer your question honestly, Yes, it ruined my life and devastated me whilst I didn't even know what was going on until recently.
Take care and good luck.