First symptoms at age 6-8 and knew then something was different about me; diagnosed with major depression and suicidal at age 10 (and several other times in life) that over time knew I was so different from others that I had been meeting in groups and therapies that it wasn't only depression but had no idea what. Parents & I both thought the manic spells were great because I was out of bed and out of the depressive episodes that these spells never went noted for the docs. Then finally diagnosed with BP not until early 30's; thank heavens for a doc who asked the right questions. When I think of so many traumatic and wasted years in the process with the wrong meds and therapies meanwhile. I am just grateful that doc that came into my life when he did. It goes to show, the right doc is out there to help, hang on to your patience and know yourself.