Read your story, your experiences. To see that you have come through yourself with such empathy for others and wishing others "good luck" suggests a strong mind/heart.

I do know one guy with bipolar, he is the manager of a local Oxfam Charity Shop. We often chat. He has been sectioned in a couple of european countries when off his medications, actually jokes about the different treatments received. But as said, now holding down a job, coping, but has to keep strictly to his meds. That is really my only experience with anyone bipolar. But as you can see it is positive. With the proper meds there is certainly hope.

Really sorry for your mum, who obviously never got the diagnosis that would have helped. Maybe now, who knows?

I think you should feel proud of yourself that you have come through as a caring human being. Grandparents can be great - I am one! There is always hope.

All the best.

I feel bad for you cause I'm going through similar things with my significant other. All she seem to want to do is cry all day and shut herself up in a room. She too is bipolar. Hopefully I can convince her tomorrow to go with me to the doctor so I can possibly get help for her. I do miss her smiles and laughter that was replaced with sadness and feelings of hopefulness. I will pray for us both. We have too be strong for our loved ones especially when they lose the strength to be strong for themselves.