I'm similar to EBD8. Started rapid cycling at 39, got stable, meds failed, but for 13 years remained relatively stable, then went bye bye at the end of 2004 and been going downhill since then. Now on government disability(SSDI) and still no med or meds to take.

Your parents do mean well but it sounds like they're still struggling to understand your illness and when you're not feeling good, the last thing you want to do is become their teacher. You'd rather be left alone. Bipolar illness is baffling to those around us and exhausting and frustrating to we who are afflicted. Be gentle with yourself. There's something I read by a Zen philosopher that said, more or less, "Once you learn to accept the fact of suffering, then suffering is no longer a problem." We're all dealing with the same issues, though maybe we're different ages or have different living situations. Each of us has to find a way to come to terms with what we have and how we're going to live our lives once we accept it. You're only responsible for yourself. Don't carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.