Dear Mood Swings: I think the next step would be managing your bipolar disorder. And then, the step after that would be managing life in college. While you're excited to go away, dealing with so much in such an unfamiliar place so far from home might not be the healthiest option.

There's nothing wrong with sticking close to home for a year and establishing a relationship with a mental health professional who can help you manage your bipolar disorder. Why not take some classes at a local community college, get a cool job or internship and make sure you're in a good place before going to an unfamiliar place? If you do leave for college, make sure you have a support system in place.

This includes a therapist in the counseling office, a psychiatrist close to campus and a residence-life staff who can check in with you and contact your parents if you need help. But really, there's no harm in waiting.

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Harlan is the author of "The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College" (Sourcebooks). Write Harlan at harlan@helpmeharlan.com or visit online: www.helpmeharlan.com. All letters submitted become property of the author. Send paper to Help Me, Harlan! 2506 N. Clark St., Ste. 223, Chicago, IL 60614. © Harlan Cohen 2008. Distributed by King Features Syndicate Inc.