Hi Jenn
My illness caused me to quit college. This was followed by 10 years of trying to find a direction only to end up in the hospital. It cost me my marriage for which I still can't forgive myself for the pain I inflicted on my kids when my wife forced me to leave.
Then I swallowed my pride, excepted my illness and started taking lithium. The drug allowed me to have a second chance. Twenty-four years later I have a wonderful wife and partner, my kids chose to live with me ten years ago, I've held the same job despite tons of stress, and I haven't seen the inside of a psych ward since lithium changed everything. I'm glad it has helped you as well.