I have always had a complicated relationship with my bipolar disorder medication. It's been a looooong journey to finding what works with some terrible side effects along the way. Even one I still take keeps my thyroid from functioning properly. There's one I have to be on the watch for a deadly flesh eating skin rash. Kidney and liver damage are real threats that I'm monitored for. Some can mess with glucose and metabolic functions which can lead to diabetes and heart disease. The threat of Tardive Dyskinesia. Not to mention the minor side effects like weight gain and fatigue. Seeking treatment is the best choice I ever made and these medications have mostly changed my life for the better. They have likely saved it. But it has taken me TWELVE YEARS to get here. So when people wonder why they "don't just get the help they need. " or stay med compliant or give up altogether on getting their meds I just laugh. You don't understand. It can be such a hard road.