I agree with what trose said. I am an educated intelligent woman, but I have never been able to understand the distinction between what is my "personality" and what is attributable to Bipolar (The psychiatrists and psychologists say they are distinct things). But in reality, it doesn't matter. What I need to know is what can I do as long term preventative measure, ie psych meds and long term therapy (and for me AA as well as I am an 11 years sober alcoholic) and what can I do if the poop hits that fan and I am depressed (sometimes suicidally and I nearly did die), hypomania, manic, mixed states, rapid cycling, panic and anxiety, low functionality, and yes, a very short temper when I am ill - particularly depressed/panic/anxiety. I also have long term resentments of people who have hurt me and because I am not working and am ona Disability Pension, I have LOADS of hours in the day to ruminate about past hurts-people who are not even in my life today (drives me crazy, excuse the wording).

So wherever these mind-states come from I need to be heavily equipped. I journal, journal, journal. I use sites like to to vent and to explore other peoples' wisdom, I see 2 psychologists (each has something different to offer) and my psychiatrist. And I am lucky enough to be able to call Psych Triage at the Psych Ward in the local hospital, as well as calling my main psychologist during the day if I'm desperate and she's available.