I was first diagnosed as Bipolar Type II about five years ago. In 2006, I moved up to Type I. I have been mentally ill in some way or the other since I was 17. I have been hospitalized twice, once for a depressed/suicial state and the second for a manic state. My family thinks I can outgrow or manage my way out of this condition. My marriage was destroyed because of the horrible depths the mood swings take you to. If they can't handle it, how can I? I am almost 50 years old, have been married 4 1/2 times and am currently living at home. I would like some friends to talk to.