I’m the oldest of 10 and I only get to see my family every so often because they live on the other side of the country. I’ve been really lucky and I’ve been able to spend a few weeks instead of days with them this time around. Out of all of us, only myself and my 14 year old sister ended up having bipolar. It breaks my heart watching her struggle with trying to navigate her emotions. She even talks about suicide…I’m 32 now. I never thought I’d make it this far. I’m medicated, have a career, pretty level headed and it took a lot to get here. I didn’t have anyone to relate to and no one to show me how to work with being bipolar. I don’t want my sister to go through the same pain. 
So now I’m trying to gather every thought/best practices that have helped me over the years. It’s made me wonder what others would say to their younger self if they could.