I agree it runs in families. my father had it and I did not realize that is what he was treated for when I was 4. and of course unless they ask in depth questions they do not know. All I knew was he had electric shock therapy in 1964 and that I found out was the standard treatment back then.I am sure looking at what I went through with my mom had it because she battled every day she cried for years daily but never went to see about it. My half brother from my dad has it. found out about the time I was told I had it. my youngest son and daughter both battle it.
it is a chemical imbalance and the only way to control it is with the medications otherwise I am a danger to myself. and sometimes others because not that I want to but because when totally out of control you can step back and see what you are doing but unable to stop it. is the best way I can describe it. thankfully hubby and I been married 13 yrs and he has been through hell with it until I found out. I have good days and few really bad ones. on those days I try not to have to deal with anyone I do not have to. I can not carry on a conversation. and hubby and daughter say they can tell a bad day as I repeat myself. they start counting and let me know it to. I have one friend that we chatter and all course she lives across the street one house down and she can tell on those days and she comes over to make sure that all is well. some days I go to the sewing room. one of the things that tells me I am having issues is lack of sleep. because you have periods you don't sleep much.
the other thing when having issues is I play Asheron's Call and World of Warcraft online. you are your character and you are in a world that you do not have to deal with everyday things or issues. so to me the monthly fees on them is well worth them. my daughter plays both of them with me.
the thing to remember is there is help out there. and I wish to God that I did not have to deal with this but that is not the way it is and I do have to deal with it and live with it. my reason for getting up everyday is my parrots for no other reason and it keeps me balanced as I know they have to be cared for. so yea they get lots of attention and figure I have 14 of them. that is alot of attention. my daughter and grandchildren live in Houston and are moving out here after school this year. I so look forward to that.