I was diagnosed at 15 and went through HELL for at least 3 or 4 years. Then, I became so much better I believed I was either healed or never had BP in the first place. For EIGHT years, minus postpartum depression, I had only mild episodes (that I only recognize in hindsight). Of course, I had a psychotic break at 28 when my BP came back with a vengeance. I've lived in a consistent hell for the last 3 years that is either as bad as or worse than it was in high school. I am waiting on those 8 years to reappear. It is important to remember the BP is cyclical and that you will have periods of normalcy. Also, some folks become stable on medications and remain that way for the length of their lives.