I realised I was bipolar when I was 19 after I smoked a bit of pot and went completely nuts.
But I was in total denial and when I get sick I lose my insight and I thought I should be able to keep on top of it using the zillions of techniques I knw because (ironically) I work in mental Heath.

Anyway last year I went to the doc (when I was 25).

First I went to the GP and handed him a letter saying why I thought I was bipolar because I knew I'd freak out and not tell him stuff from forgetting. He was like ok I think your right but I'll send you to a psychiatrist to get officially diagnosed and started on some meds.

So I saw the psychiatrist who is a really nice guy ad he agreed and started me on epilim (depokte or something in the states) and ohhhh my goodness it was so good! My brain was so quiet for the first time in years!!! I could think and concentrate better and I could sleep and I felt relaxed.... It was so good I wish I'd done it whn I was 19 (though moving cities every 18months did keep life interesting).

Anyway it wasn't all smooth sailing because after I while I bombed out and we had to adjust a couple of times but yes, hopefully for you it is a relief like it was for me. Also makes it easier to keep taking the little buggers because I like them (though I hate o admit it!)

I think they are saving my life though....