Theories say it will always be there but it can be managed if treated appropriately. Unlike a pathology which can be "cured", a mental illness has no blood test or scan to confirm. I'm recently diagnosed and was under the impression in the beginning that things would sort of "go away" but I'm finding even in a seven month time frame, I'm still up and down. Recognition of the condition helps me realize that things will return to "normal" for some time and I just go from there.

IMO, it's all about tweaks, finding a balance, and doing what works well for you.