Hi,
My son is diagnosed with Bipolar I and without medication he has delusions and auditory hallucinations. He became symptomatic such that we noticed in junior high school. He was very often depressed and once in a while manic. My husband and I traded off nights to be on suicide watch. When he tried to grab the wheel of the car and drive it into an oncoming semi because a voice told him to do that, the police committed him. And believe it or not, that was a God-send. Because of that commitment being ordered by the court our insurance would finally pay for things he needed. We were connected with a group called PACT (Pro-active community therapy -- I think). First thing they did was get him on the right medication which meant he didn't have tics or hallucinations. And then they taught him one very important thing. Bipolar is one part of you. It doesn't define you. So what else are you? What are the things you like, are interested in, might want to explore, think you might be good at. They said don't make bipolar be the beginning and end of you. You are much more than that.
My son ended up being good at body building and became a personal trainer. He actually started working for PACT as a personal trainer. He said to me, "If your mind betrays you. There is more to you than being bipolar.

In my experience it gets better with time and some perspective. I know I'm on the outside looking in, but that's what I see. And actively build your support system, don't leave it to chance. PACT is wonderful if you have one near you -- check it out.

Just a mom