Sometimes they can take the edge off just enough to work through the pain. It's a sad feeling when they don't work. Kind of makes you feel more hopeless like nothing will help, but that's when you have to keep trying to find something. It's hard to be patient as a patient.
Bipolar is one of the illnesses I think gets the least sympathy. People judge you for what you do when you're manic and don't understand how you can lose control. They just look at you like you're irresponsible or cruel and uncaring to those around you. It's an illness that can lead to a lot of lost relationships and social isolation. People might like you when you're fun and then lose respect for you when you go off the rails.
Stay strong and try to carry on.