Hey Bud,
Sorry for the late response. I have the same diagnosis as you. I am 47 and was officially diagnosed 10 years ago. My early signs go back to about 17 though.
The main thing is stay on your meds!!!! It is SO tempting when everything is "normal" to want mania again, but it is never worth it. You can not know if you will go manic or depressed or psychotic. With this diagnosis, there is life worth living. As you grow older you will have to be in tune with your mind and body constantly. If you have a person in your life that knows you real well and can observe you subjectively LISTEN to them, they will keep you out of trouble.
Don't listen to people who say bipolar gets worse as you get older. The only people that say that are the ones who give in to the diagnosis. You need to fight it everyday, but it makes you a more caring and forgiving person. Not bad characteristics for a person!
Lastly be kind to yourself. You are going to have set backs, you may end up in the hospital from time to time. That does not equal failure that just means you have to change your approach.
Sending a HUGE Polar Bear hug to you!!!
Sorry for the late response. I have the same diagnosis as you. I am 47 and was officially diagnosed 10 years ago. My early signs go back to about 17 though.
The main thing is stay on your meds!!!! It is SO tempting when everything is "normal" to want mania again, but it is never worth it. You can not know if you will go manic or depressed or psychotic. With this diagnosis, there is life worth living. As you grow older you will have to be in tune with your mind and body constantly. If you have a person in your life that knows you real well and can observe you subjectively LISTEN to them, they will keep you out of trouble.
Don't listen to people who say bipolar gets worse as you get older. The only people that say that are the ones who give in to the diagnosis. You need to fight it everyday, but it makes you a more caring and forgiving person. Not bad characteristics for a person!
Lastly be kind to yourself. You are going to have set backs, you may end up in the hospital from time to time. That does not equal failure that just means you have to change your approach.
Sending a HUGE Polar Bear hug to you!!!
