I've had emotional issues all my life, mainly because of childhood neglect and trauma. But I first remember becoming severely depressed when I was thirteen. I started self harm at fourteen. Started going in and out of hospitals and residential programs. But At the time I believed bipolar was over diagnosed and they were only labeling me with it to keep me down, controlled and medicated. I didn't begin to accept the truth until I was 25 and had a clear manic episode. But if I looke back through a new lens I can see definite mixed and at least HYPOmanic episodes starting at 18. If I really think about it I might have had a hypomanic episode at twelve.