I'm age 63 and did not start medications until only three or so years back. My (I believe) BP is not as bad as many, but I did have swings with mostly manic side. I seem to be doing fine, with a bit of irritability now and then, but I believe in taken medications, and not mess it up with drugs or alcohol. I also stopped smoking tobacco I'm happy to say. I am retired with little stress and that may make it all easier. I do wonder about my short term memory however. I saw an article on AOL saying they now believe there is a link between depression and dementia and that other deteriorating brain disease for which my spell check will not help me with. Alll-hiii-merrrszzua. Stupid me.