So you know what you ultimately want, now is the time to create a plan on how to get there.

Of course stability is the key, right? How do you stay stable? I don't know your exact situation, but for many with MI, this involves seeing a therapist and psychiatrist regularly, engaging in therapy, and taking medication as prescribed.

A daily routine is also great for helping to provide stability.

A stable home environment, and a steady source of income as well. Savings are a MUST!

You have educational/career goals as well, so that's a good thing to be working on as well.

But of course, first things first. Do you know about Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs?

Pretty much start working at the bottom and go up. If you think you can achieve anything higher up without having the support of the things below-----you will likely crash and burn, as all of these needs build upon one another and needs at the top require you to have needs below already satisfied (for the most part).

As for the MI history causing the authorities to take away a child? Its not likely unless you are unable to care for the child's needs OR you end up with a jerk for a father who then uses your MI against you-----this is a HUGE reason to choose your partner wisely, one who understands your struggles and isn't going to use it as a reason to take your child away. (I am not trying to scare you, rather I want you to know that in custody cases, MI can be blown out of proportion so that one party has an advantage over the other. Its not right, especially if the MI parent is fully capable, but unfortunately it does indeed happen.)

If you strive to maintain stability, then the chances of your child being taken away are quite small. Its a reasonable fear, but if you plan ahead and prepare as much as you can, then the likelihood of this happening decreases dramatically.

The most important thing to remember is that this all takes time, sometimes a LOT of time! I'm 6+ years from my last MI hospitalization and I'm not stable enough to have a child. My anxiety zaps so much energy from me it isn't even funny, and I have very treatment resistant insomnia which affects just about everything i do. I think that if you take things one step at a time, you will ultimately realize your goal. Its tempting to think too far ahead and to want to skip steps in healing, but it never really works like that unfortunately.