I recently found out that people who have a parent with bipolar disorder have a 10% chance of developing bipolar disorder at some point in their lives. I’m 20 years old, and young adulthood is the most common age of onset for this condition. My dad has bipolar disorder, and for reasons I can’t fully articulate, I’m firmly convinced I’m going to be in that 10%.

Over the weekend I had a major mood swing; I went from being horribly depressed on Saturday night to being super hyped and full of energy on Sunday afternoon, without the help of stimulants or other substances. I know that the swings that take place in bipolar disorder last a lot longer than 24 hours apiece, but for some reason my anxious side put that in the file of evidence that I will develop bipolar disorder. 

I’m absolutely terrified of going into a severe manic phase, losing touch with reality, and putting my career and relationships at risk. 

How do you put your mind at ease when you’re worried about developing a particular medical or mental health condition?