I've learned that most people are afraid of mental illness. Not that we'll hurt them, it's more that they don't know what to do or say. They are frightened by our emotions. And, there are times when we become a very difficult person to be around. My brother loves me, I know, but anytime my emotions are out of kilter he runs. He just can't handle it.

I think it's the hardest part of being mentally ill: the isolation when friends and family just don't want to be in our company. The worst thing for us is to be alone, but we drive people away with our illness.