I have bipolar disorder type 1 and was diagnosed over eleven years ago. I have been hospitalized at least 4 times that I can remember off the top of my head for suicide attempts or serious suicidal ideation.
In the eleven years since diagnosis, I have been on countless different combinations of medication. It took a very long time, but I found one that worked.
More importantly, I discovered WRAP, a recovery tool that teaches me to be well, recognize what daily activities contribute to wellness, and what to do when triggers come along. Basically, I learned to help me.
I use medication, meditation, WRAP, exercise, laughter, talk therapy, and simply daily activities to keep me on the road to recovery.
We can recover from mental illness. I am not my diagnosis.