I was diagnosed Bipolar in the Marines after my first episode which I was discharged with a service connection for.i struggled every fall with depression and every spring with Manias. I was able to work and became a counselor and received 2 degrees with honors and functioned ok off and on that way . Then 10 years I became more severe in my episodes. Both severity and duration. I had to stop working and became 100% disabled. Then two years ago I became permanently and totally disabled. So I decided to do everything I could to get my health back, I started using a light box , taking meds which I had been doing, started using a sleep apnea machine. Focused on decreasing stress and fatigue very much. Well I can say I’ve made it now very stable for over a year. I am a stay at home parent and take care of my mom as well. I feel as long as I do all of the things I do to maintain my health I may be able to continue my stability long term. Life is so much better now.!!!