Back 2012 when I created my account I was definitely just surviving hence the name “Cocosurviving”. I had a really hard time accepting that I had a mental illness. I did start meds and therapy. In 2013 I moved back to my birth state. It was rocky; the family support I was told I’ve have was not there. I ended up going to the mental hospital a few times. I was also fighting to get on disability and it was a fight for “me”. I was on a roller coaster for a while trying to get meds worked out and dealing with mania. In 2016 things got better. I had not been in the hospital since 2014. I received my SSDI. My meds were working well. I had no SAD in fall or winter. I moved to a place I was happy.....smaller city. In 2017, I had some depression in the spring but no mania all year. I started substituting a little. The extra income helps. I also started using coping skills and self-care regularly. I have found what works for me. Things did get a little better with my mom, older daughter and stepdad. They actually learned a little, little about bipolar disorder. They will check in with me. I’m thinking of going back to school....change from mental health social work to accounting. I’m not looking to get a second degree just a certifications certificate. I would not find trying to work part-time. So now in 2017, I feel I’m living not just surviving.