Vowel Lady,
I am not Bi Polar, I have always had Depressive Personality Disorder and severe Depression. I suffered my first extreme Panic Attack at 22.
During this time, and because of these conditions I exhibited and took part in a lot of self-destructive behaviour. Enough to deliberately wreck personal and family relationships. Even with a good career my personal and private behaviour was questionable - bordering on dangerous to escape my Demons.
It was turned around permanently by the love of a single person, and although she has been out of my life for 25 years I still have her to thank. All it takes is a word from the right person, or an event that instils maturity and things change.

Dave.