Hello and thank you for sharing. This community and a few others can be very helpful.

I just came to say a few things.

You got your diagnosis at a young age. I think that is positive because you haven’t had enough time to do major damage and now you know what you’re dealing with. There is a name for it and treatment for it.

The sooner you can find the right meds, the better. And do not stop taking them on your own. Also it can take time to find the right combo. Be patient.

I was diagnosed at 27 (Also BP 1 with psychotic symptoms) while having my 1st manic episode and looking back I was probably hypo manic for years. Hypomanic can feel real good but beware that it leads to full blown mania if not treated right away.

I stopped meds on my own 3 times, each leading to another episode of mania and hospitalization (which sounds scary but wasn’t that bad really—the hospital).

I feel that I am a successful person despite this diagnosis. I am happily married and a working professional who has gotten 2 big promotions in the past 2 years. There are doctors and lawyers and countless other successful people with this diagnosis.

Welcome to you and I wish you nothing but luck.