But if we are able to manage it, we can get by quite nicely. I was probably BP for 30 or so years, undiagnosed. (In retrospect, it's easy to measure these things now that I know I'm BP).

OK, so In my 40's, I started to decline rapidly, lots of drinking, dope, and violent episodes involving objects and threatening people. At the urging of my family, I basically got myself evaluated because something was seriously wrong and I was diagnosed with BP2. Today, I'm doing fine and don't really feel myself slipping long term. I have bouts here and there but I'm mostly stable. However, I don't feel I'm getting "better" and am good about trying to keep up with my treatment program.