Vent....

Hi,

I havent posted on here at all so first time kinda nervous lol. uh so anyway wondering if I can rally my BP 1 folks for a question. So, for some background, I've been through absolute h3lI and back with this diagnosis. Went through all the stages of grief after being hospitalized for the first time at 15-16 yrs old and diagnosed with bipolar 1 in a state funded psych ward. (no hate to that place it was actually pretty good considering the circumstances). I've been dosed up with every bipolar med you can possible imagine exists so major guinea pig vibes and finally settled on ONE medication (abilify 20 mg) after 4 years of that which is good I guess.

So my question is...do I need to take my medication for the REST of my entire life?? Also can bipolar be cured or just sort of go away with time? I know these questions are prob silly but I have the strongest desire to go off of my meds and leave this all behind. I strongly dislike the diagnosis, the treatment, and most of all the stigma. So much. Also I dont know if this is just my own prejudice but I feel that BP2 folks wouldn't necessarily understand the horrors of BP1 so I prefer ppl with that diagnosis respond please. thanks!