Don't leave untreated

"Bipolar disorder is estimated to affect approximately 1-3% of adults, but also can affect children and adolescents. Untreated, this disorder is associated with greater risk of drug and alcohol addiction, of interpersonal relationship difficulties, of school and, later, work problems, of engaging in risky behaviors, and of suicide."

A good friend of mine was just diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It's a good thing, too, since she's been super depressed for about a year now. She really needed some help. I sent her to my old therapist, and she is making progress. She's also unemployed, and feeling a little lost.

One to three percent doesn't sound like a lot, but I know a few bipolar people. I think it's like addicts: we're just attracted to each other, like magnets.