I was also diagnosed young, I was 17. To me the positive part is I got to know what's wrong with me at such a young age. I've had some serious issues though over the past few years because of decisions I've made .. but I've overcome them now. I focus on trying to keep my sanity in check now. Lol. So I can't say it helped me not lose things over the years (I'm 24) but it did open my eyes to why I acted so different than others. Being diagnosed young can be beneficial, like the way you see it. I've lost quite a bit over the years by being stubborn and not adhering to my meds, but I consider them lessons learned.