Phil: I was dxed with bipolar 1 about 6 yrs. ago (I'm 52). I wish I had gotten the help I needed earlier. I had my 1st suicide attempt at 15 & didn't get any psychiatric treatment so my life has been very chaotic. Now that I'm on meds I'm doing much better & slowly becoming comfortable in "getting a life." I want the quality of my life to improve so I'm working hard at trying to reduce my symptoms with meds & working on having a healthy environment & better attitude.

My mother committed suicide (she had bp & was alcoholic) & I don't want to follow in her footsteps. I think you are really lucky to be getting help at such a young age. Don't fight the recommendations of the doc. If you really think she/he is not treating you properly find another doc. I went through several until I got one who was willing to listen to my imput about side effects. One doc just wanted to keep me doped up. That's not my idea of living.--Suzy