I wasn’t diagnosed until age 43 but once I /we looked back my T and I saw it really start at age 6 and it was triggered by csa, I had one of “ those uncles” but overall looking back I could see “ Bipolar” everywhere. I had been on AD’s numerous times but always stopped them after a while. This is why a lot of people go undiagnosed for so long. People typical don’t go crawling into a Pdoc office unless life is a disastrous mess.

I saw a Pdoc for a couple of years when my father was battling cancer he put me on Zoloft , he never once looked any deeper because my depression made sense , my Dad was battling for his life and my husband decided to have a mistress.

I also didn’t have the internet at my finger tips like everyone does now. Back then we are talking go to the library and physically stumble through lots of books. Sounds hilarious now hu? lol

As for family history ?? Absolutely nothing.... ( but I do believe it is genetic because I passed it to my daughter )

My daughter does also have Bipolar I diagnosed at age 19 .... 3 months after I got my pretty “ gold star welcome to Bipolar club “ she remembers being about 12-13 when she started to struggle. She was put on Lexapro her first year of college. She finished her second year and boom her life imploded, so we were both a big mess.

For me I truly believe I was born with it. I have read numerous times over the years that premies present symptoms that show up earlier. I was born 3 months early 2lbs 14 Oz and dropped down to an even 2 lbs. it’s a wonder I survived, back in 67 neonatal Care sure wasn’t what it is today.

Yes I truly believe trauma can flip the switch.