I just want to share a little of my experience re: relapse. I was very, very unwell from the ages of 14 to around 18. Then I got so much better that I decided I never actually had bp and eventually stopped taking meds by around age 20. I had very few issues (none, except one mild ppd that I could recognize) for 8 - 9 years. I always say that out of nowhere I lost my mind but in therapy, I’ve realized that’s not true. About 9 years ago (around this time actually), I shared my personal testimony of a major trauma from my youth and the trauma of my early experiences with my illness on video for a Bible study my preacher was working on. I had never, not once, processed any of that trauma and so the experience triggered a massive psychotic/manic episode. I’ve had episodes ever since. And, honestly, I think I always will. I personally stay on my meds for my husband and kids but I know if I didn’t, and my husband found out, there would be some serious issues.