Actually, I think she might be bipolar herself. She shows a lot of the indicators; bouts of depression, anxiety and behaviour I recognize as hypomanic. Impulsive behaviour, poor judgment, risk taking behaviour and the gamut.

Her step father is a very dynamic charismatic man surrounded by 'acolytes' and those eager to ride the wave. He has been in one long midlife crisis and hangs around people generally younger than she is now. Life around him is a party. I know he spends money on her - he's paid for a few vacations and has helped her out once or twice too.

In comparison I, her mother, am destitute, and have no life or certainly no excitement. I can't compete with him.

I have racked my brain trying to figure out where I went horribly wrong. Obviously I didn't just become bipolar over night, but I really can't recall any incidents that could account for this. She did resent me for not being able to afford those things she wanted (he was to blame for that). And I suppose she is getting that from him after all.