Things could of been different for me. Everyone had such high expectations for me in the family being the first born. My first manic episode was at 13. So I've been on meds more than half my life. I could of went far in basketball but I blame the meds for stunting my growth. When I started meds I basically stopped growing and lost interest then learned to deal with it. I fought through in high school and was always a top athlete.
However going off meds Several times, and playing with drugs had set me farther back then I would of ever imagined. there has been so many setbacks all based from my poor decisions.
I'm a very talented artist, but haven't picked up a pencil or brush since before my last episode.

Everyone with this illness is different. I believe the majority of us with bipolar are above average iq.

In my experience with work and effort, talent and strength always seems to come back. Before my last relapse almost 2 years ago all of it came back. I felt like I was back to my old self. Like, I found it again.Again, I made some poor choices, went off meds and then completely lost everything I worked so hard for.

I will always be searching for that old self.

I think we have to try and evolve as humans and learn to deal with our illness in healthy ways.
And, unfortunately, going off meds is not an option.

Good topic and stay strong