first depressive episode around 12 years old. first manic symptoms around sixteen. both progressively got more severe over the years. something that delayed diagnosis as bipolar is that i never recognized the manic symptoms as such. i thought hypomania was "happiness" and that i was only "happy" once or twice a year. so i remained diagnose MDD til i was 28 and medicate accordingly and the manic symptoms and swings got worse and worse!

also i didnt recognize the depression either while it was happening, it's easier looking back with hindsight at the symptoms i thought were "normal" for me and realizing what it really was!