It's not that bad. I have been undiagnosed bipolar for most of my life. I saw one therapist when I was a kid and he was useless. My BP didn't reach critical mass until I was 53 like BipolaRNurse. I know the prospect of being on meds and in therapy for life is a bit daunting, but it's like any other challenge. It becomes integrated with your life and you just move on.