I had a psychotic break when I was 14. It took about 4 years to recover. I had only mild symptoms of bipolar after that until 3 years ago when I had another MAJOR psychotic break. I was seriously extremely stable (besides a major postpartum depression and some mild depressions and hypomanias) up until that point. I home schooled my daughter, niece and good friend's little girl for preschool while keeping my toddler son and nephew. I home schooled my daughter for kindergarten also (during some of this time I was extremely out of my mind and didn't realize it). I maintained my house, cooked dinner and played with my children. I don't mean to brag, I am just trying to make a point. I do none of these things now. I have been a total mess, sometimes completely insane, for the last 3 years and I don't see an end in sight.

My point is I had such long periods of stability despite my extremely severe episodes. Has anyone else had such long periods of stability? Did anyone go from completely together to a psychotic mess in a matter of weeks? To me, it is so bizarre.