Bipolar disorder is a chemical disorder of the brain.  It is an incurable illness.  Still, you may wonder, "Will I always have bipolar disorder?"

The medical profession still wonders how people get bipolar disorder in the first place.  Scientists research the causes of it as well.

Causes of bipolar disorder are considered to be twofold:  both biological (a chemical imbalance in the brain) and hereditary (passed down through the family).

The one thing that you need to know is that you didn't get the disorder because of something you did or didn't do.  In other words, the fact that you have bipolar disorder is not your fault.  You didn't do anything wrong.

Asking yourself, "Will I always have bipolar disorder?" is a valid question, and one that many people with the disorder have asked.  Most of them know that there is still no cure.

To answer this question honestly, I'd have to tell you, "I don't know."

It's like someone with cancer asking me, "Will I always have cancer?"

First of all, I'm not a medical doctor nor a scientist.  A cure could be right around the corner, and I hope for one as much as you do, since I support a mother who has bipolar disorder.

However, barring a cure for both bipolar disorder and cancer, right now the best we can hope for is remission for both.

I can tell you that remission for bipolar disorder is stability, and stability for you is not only a possibility, but a very strong probability if you do certain things, such as take medication, to therapy, have a strong support system, and take care of yourself.

Your doctor probably told you that you will have to take medication for the rest of your life, which is as good as telling you that you will, in fact, have bipolar disorder for the rest of your life.  I know this fact may discourage you; however, compare yourself to the diabetic who must take insulin every day for the rest of their life.  As long as they do that, they can live a normal, productive, successful, and happy life – and so can you.

Yes, as of now, you will have bipolar disorder for the rest of your life.  However, there is always hope for a cure.  In the meantime, you can manage your disorder through the use of medication, and you can stay stable, living a normal and happy life.