Yup that would about sum it up. Maybe you should have that discussion with your neice. It couldn't hurt and who knows she may face some of those demons going forward and hearing your story could save her from from pushing herself too hard. Either way she will get a reality check about who she thinks you are.

Your summary of the downward spiral fits my journey too and sometimes I find myself crying when I think how little my siblings kids know about me anymore. They knew me when I was flying high and setting the bar for adventure and living life to the fullest. Now I am the depressed aunt who never comes to family functions anymore. Even when the depression breaks for a spell there is seldom time to reconnect before the darkness sets in again. They don't know me and that makes me sad. I can't inspire them anymore. That pains me.

I think you should reach out to your neice and let her know who you are today and that even with the illness you are still the aunty she knew and loved growing up. You may act out now and then but your actions don't have to define you. Not the sum total of you.