Hey punk, you've already taking the most important step. You reached out. There are great people here on PC, and you will find someone that can relate to you.

When I was in my early 20's, I was using alcohol to manage the ups, it would calm me down. I used it for years, but it got out of control, of course alcohol is a depressant, which w/ enough would trigger a major depression. But I digress.

I do know that drug/alcohol use/abuse can and does mask other mental health issues. I also know that after I stopped drinking, the diagnoses just kept coming. First Bipolar, the BPD and finally PTSD, but it is all managable. Just like my high blood pressure. I need to take my meds everyday, check in w/ friends that care, and just stay connected here on PC.

I would suggest, b/c it helped me to know more, is to research bipolar. Start w/ the info that PC has, then branch out from there. But try to stay on good sites, Like NIMH.org, webmd, etc...

I wish you they best of luck, and I do hope to see post from you.