Most important thing to remember is you have bipolar. You are not bipolar. Just like my dad has diabetes, he's not diabetic. Get it? You're you, but you just have a chronic illness.

I'm not on meds. I lead a weird life. I have a full time job. It's a roller coaster. I'm a mom and my kids really love me and I take good care of them. I'm a terrible housekeeper and cook. But I do my best. I have a husband and although he doesn't understand or doesn't think it is real that I"m this way... well, I love him and I know I'm important to him (even if he's bad at showing it most times...) But, my dad was the same with my mom. He didn't want to believe she was dying of cancer but even today he is still in love with her 19 years later.

It is really scary to get a diagnosis, but you can get better and it is a struggle. Not only for us but other people, too. I work at a diabetes education center. People with diabetes struggle big time with getting their illness under control, and they have tools we don't have like they can test their blood glucose. If only we could test our brain chemicals!

And really, what is a "normal" life. Everyone struggles with something. at least we get to know our battle!

You're not alone! Take care of yourself and don't give up!