I am also dating someone with bipolar on top of mine. We both have relatively mild symptoms, and we are coping ok!! I wish you luck with both of your problems. When I was first diagnosed..I was terrified, and along with this terror went denial. You sound like you don't have denial, which is a good sign. You found a community that cares deeply about its members. You write and express yourself well and that should be a help. I will be praying for you, for those times when the darker thoughts develop.