I come from a family that has a history of substance abuse issues and mental health issues . Although I wasn't diagnosed with BP until my mid 20's I believe I started suffering from it as a teen. I ended up losing a job because of a mania episode ( not sleeping for 4 days , extreme paranoia ext. ) I think the best strategy that I use everyday is just really making sure that I'm ok with myself .....people are going to think what they want. Very few people know about my DX and I feel better that way .