you need meds its clear that you go from your highs to your lows you need to seek some help stay on meds for a small time you wont depend on them forever you should give it a shot that high point you get to is something that you cannot change alone its too perilous seek help excellent luck !

You sound a small like what I went through to get through college. It took me 8 years to graduate and I was in an out of hospital, had ECT and never really lived up to my full potential. I had awesome grades in high school and I didnt even have to study but then when I got diagnosed with bipolar my grades in college were dreadful. I had my excellent periods where I would ace stuff then I would start failing things when I would get pretty low. It kinda kills the confidence. I had to get on medication which really helped me and with the help of a social worker I was able to have the support to be able to graduate. I recently applied to a surgical tech program and I am waiting and waiting to see if I have gotten into the program. Sometimes taking some time off allows you to take inventory and maybe its not a terrible thought to just work and give school a break while you apply to the clinical lab degree. Also if you end up getting that degree you can always go back to school to get another. It just sounds like you could use that break to clear your head and to develop excellent coping skills when things get low or stressed. Maybe give a counselor a try to talk this stuff out. Hang in there. You can do this school thing dont be too hard on yourself.