Some people can manage themselves fine without meds. I'm sure there are BP people out there who haven't even been diagnosed, but they live full, productive lives.

I started experiencing depression when I was 11-12 years old, but I didn't take any medication until I was 24, which was after I finished grad school.

I'll be honest, though: I did struggle for many years and earned poor grades. Life was rough and I caused all sorts of trouble for myself and other people... but I still pulled through and I have a nice full-time job... and I got all that without taking any meds. So it's definitely possible to succeed without meds! (Not saying I recommend going without meds. Just saying it's possible to do well without 'em.)

I now take meds because, well, I've never tried them before. I figure I'll give them an honest chance before I say no to them. I'm only 24, so I figure I'll try them when I'm young. At least you've had the experience of trying them before, so you kinda know what you want already.