I'll be 50 this year. I've been having episodes since i was 18. I was diagnosed and put on meds when i was 25. The only real change it that my episodes have gotten more predictable. Since i've been on disability benefits these past 17 years i no longer have episodes due to stress but just according to the seasons. I'm hypomanic in the Spring and depressed the rest of the year. My hypomanias are just as strong tho. I have insight when they start but lose all insight at their peak and decide i'm well for goood and will feel euphoric for the rest of my days. It never lasts and the best i can hope for is a soft landing instead of a crash. I'm feeling pretty uneasy now because i'm usually hypmanic at this time of year. I guess it's delayed due to the lingering Winter.