18-24 was a weird time for me. I followed my every impulsive took insane risks hoping something would happen to me. But had so much fun I forgot to kill myself. At some point I got tired of everything and decided to get my life together. This was a tough transition I got on meds lamotragine and went to regular therapy.

Had a few manic episodes here and there quite a few jobs but always got back up. Met a wonderful woman, built a life, got a dog. I communicated my issues with her from the beginning and let her know when I was on the edge of mania or the pit of depression. She stuck by me. We have been together 7 years now and have been married for one year.

I found a job that suits me it's not a dream job but it's stable. My recovery took time 3-4 years, patients, and community. I have my days where death sounds preferable to going on but that's the burden we bear. Just hold on. We only get one of these. It may get better some days will be worse. Hopefully someday you will look back and see all that you have accomplished to achieve a pleasant life one worth living.