How long have you know you were bipolar & how old are you?

Question

I am 39 and have known for 10 yrs

this is a curoisity question - not a treatment question --- read - I am just fishing to see how long & how old people are with this

Answer 1

i have been diagnosed for 9 years and im 48

Answer 2

The onset was at age 12 with a depressive episode but I knew something was really wrong with me when I had some mixed episodes during my eighth grade year and in high school. I had a bad depressive episode which I sought help for when I was 28 but I still didn't realize I was manic-depressive until I had a manic episode that reached psychotic proportions a few months later at age 29. The diagnosis was a challenge and a relief. I have Bipolar II but I think the proper label for me would be seasonal bipolar disorder since I only seem to go manic around spring time. I'm now 35. I've had a few relapses but overall I'm managing with it really well. Sometimes I wish I'd known what was wrong with me sooner but I think if I had known it might have altered important things about my life (like going far away from home for college, having a baby at age 25, etc.) And when the label is stuck on before the person is ready it can be a much bumpier ride than what I experienced.

Answer 3

I was diagnosed at 16. I started to believe it at 23. I have been in treatment the whole time. I am now 35 and it is believed that I was diagnosed wrong. New information has been presented to me and for the first time since 16 I am able to get off all the meds (I am getting off the last one, Lithium, now) I have never felt better in my life. I stopped drinking over a year ago and I will always go see me therapist.

Answer 4

I am 51 and have only known for 6 months.

Answer 5

diagnosed in 1985 (15yo) - a treatment that works since 2002

Answer 6

I'm not bipolar- but my advice is to see a doctor and check it out!

Answer 7

ive kown this for a week

Answer 8

for quite a while now.