What you wish you knew when you were 18?

Stay in school, go to a local community college an get an associates degree, then transfer to a four year school. Don't take out student loans, with community college you can usually stay under your parents roof for a couple more years, it is cheap enough where they can help pay for a significant portion of it and the rest you can work a part time job. It's worth saying again, do not take out student loans, if you become disabled it's a nightmare to get them discharged.

Stay away from credit cards when you're young, compound interest is a b**ch.

Don't become indebted! If you don't have the money in your bank account then don't buy it. By a junker car to start with, saving money now keeps your options open, it will pay off down the road. If you can afford it, buy a house... don't rent if you can afford it. Take steps to build and protect your credit score.

Don't get married, it's a meaningless piece of paper in this modern world, and typically it only serves to complicate things. If you're intent on getting married, you should live with your partner at least for a few years, there is no way to truly know another person until you've lived with them a couple years. Don't cheat on your partner. The only good reason for getting married, that I can think of, is if you have children together.

Don't have kids when your young, if you want kids at least wait till your through school. Realize a child costs upwards of $200k to raise to the age of 18, ideally you should have a steady job before committing to something like this. Failure to pay child support can be a felony offense is some areas and get you thrown in prison. Take prenatal vitamins if your pregnant; don't drink, do drugs, or smoke.

Assuming you don't have heath insurance through work, stay on your parents insurance for as long as you can.

Pinto beans are about the cheapest source of protein that you can find, for a kid living pay check to pay check you can buy an 8 pound bag of beans for $8 at walmart.

The biggest thing I should reiterate is don't become indebted, unless it's to buy a house or some other worthy goal. Live cheaply if you have to.

Know the law, it's the equivalent of the sword in todays world, i.e. the pen is mightier than the sword. Pre-law would be a good major for school.

Don't let anyone f**k with you, refer to the above on how to fight against injustice. However, pick your battles wisely, when you know your beat or can't win move on.

If you get a speeding ticket, ask the prosecute for a deferred judgement agreement. In my state it's called court supervision, in some states you may have to goto driving school. The reason for doing this because insurance companies can't use it against you to raise your insurance rates. Don't drive intoxicated.

Get a pet, they make good companions.

Go to great lengths to educate yourself about your disorder. Don't put up with incompetent doctors, they often do more damage then good.

I've never had a pdoc tell me that side effects were all in my head. In fact, I was made aware of them right away. I'm sorry that happened to you.