I found the docu both scary and hopeful. It showed extreme cases and highly functional people who went through some terrible times, but managed to find a regime that helped them get through the worst. There were warnings about what could happen if the disease was ignored or dismissed as artistic eccentricity. It's serious, no matter what type... cyclothymics often become type II or I and type IIs can become type I after a manic episode is identified...and these changes can come as the disease progresses in one's 20s and 30s and beyond.

Totally changed my perspective on the disease. Less chastising to myself for some of the things that happened in my past, although I still have taken full responsibility for my actions. Why I was such an emotional kid, why I had to hold it all inside for fear of the dam bursting forth as it does now and again. How none of my teachers, the authorities or my parents could possibly understand me. I didn't understand it either! None of us knew what we were dealing with. I can forgive them and myself much better now.