Is there any hope my 22 year daughter old with bipolar will get better?

[LakeIsle48]

Hi guys, my daughter has been unwell, probably since her teens but only diagnosed with bipolar 2, in last year or so. Is there any chance that things will get better?

In my experience bi-polar has been, for me, a lifelong mental health condition for which there is no cure, but can improve to near disappearing with the correct handling, constant checks and balances.

It's taken me nearly till 40yo to find a 'sweet spot' in my life where things are balanced and I can cope and keep an eye on any deteriorations in my MH almost daily and be ok.

You'd never know it as an outsider but I live on constant fear of another 'episode' where I lose control.

It's a tough gig, for sure. AFAIK there's no 'cure' but it can certainly be managed with routine and familiarity.

She absolutely can but it does depend on what you mean by better.
The hard thing about bipolar is that you need to monitor your mood but you don’t want to monitor it so much that you have no quality of life. It’s hard as the fear of another episode is real. But recovery is possible.

Thank you both so much for taking the time to reply!! Today was a massively difficult crap day. The words 'nearly disappearing' and 'recovery is possible' are music to my ears. There is more I can do to help her and I just need to change my outlook. We've got great support from our local team but I've just been feeling fatalistic. I've got to accept it's a long term illness. Instead of feeling doom I have to change my thinking. To be honest I'm just worn out. Her illness has threatened my job, my relationship, my finances etc. I just needed to hear it's possible.

I've been worried about how low I've become. I am going to a bipolar support group for the first time on Monday evening. Thanks again for spelling out the reality and making me feel less terrified! I really appreciate it. I hope you are both keeping well x