1) In retrospect I think my symptoms started in early childhood. I was unhappy and got into fights at school when I was around 10. I think depression started around 7 and hypomania around 10.

2) I was never debilitated by my illness. It just got in the way a few times. I have accomplished most of my goals.

3) At what age did you start to receive appropriate care? I was 34 when I was treated for major depressive disorder and then diagnosed bipolar when I was 38.

4) I did not self medicate and the first prescribed medication I got was anti-depressants.

5) The anti-depressants did not work and one caused a hypomanic episode. That sealed my diagnosis of bipolar II.

6) I have long periods of stability with only very low levels of lingering depression.

7) Over the long term I have been improving. I owe a lot to my psychiatrist who has found the right drug combination for me. I also have a great therapist. I feel in control of my BP as opposed to the other way around.