I thought it might be helpful to other folks to share my experience with bipolar research.  

Now,  firstly I'm in the UK, so I can only speak of my experience here,  and hope something is relevant for where you are. 

I only got my diagnosis through a research trial,  I wouldn't have had access to the specialist otherwise. (I was undiagnosed for 20 years,  and harmfully medicated)

I gained huge understanding of my bipolar through another research trial looking at identifying warning signs and having management strategies all ready to go. 

The GPs, and psychs all recommend getting involved in research,  in my area I know that's the only way to get to see a specialist.  

(Mental health services suck in the UK, and we don't really get a say in who we see)

I highly recommend seeing if any research is going on, not necessarily drug trials, ( they can be helpful too)  but monitoring and management trials maybe. Obviously read them,  understand them and decide if it's for you.  But sometimes it gives access to resources we wouldn't usually have.