Widgets, I had hit absolute rock bottom in 2007 with my mental health. I had attempted so many times in a 3 week period I couldn't even tell you how many. I was completely out of my mind. The last time I attempted I was found and was taken to the ER. I was committed; was in patient for 6 weeks and was diagnosed with BP. I thought my life was over and I would never be able to return to my career, have a productive life etc. It took a lot of work on my part. I educated myself on the illness, I go to therapy, I take my meds and I live a healthy lifestyle (exercise, eating properly etc.)

I am happy I survived. I do have a productive life and have the same career I had before I was diagnosed. It did take time for me and my pdoc to find the right combo of meds and it was frustrating at times, but I am now very happy with my med combo.

It's not rainbows, lollipops and unicorns, but I am happy with my life. Through my struggles with this illness I have grown as a person. I have learned life lessons that many people will never learn. Am I happy I have bipolar? No, but it is what it is and I will not let it define who I am and/or dictate what I do with my life. There is hope.