Interesting thread! Full of really good stuff.

I'd say for the most part BP are not "dangerous", more volatile, or mercurial. I'd say we pose the biggest risk to ourselves, physically at least.

This is true for me as well, I believe. I've gone thru hell and back for 15 years trying all kinds of therapy, group, individual, mindfulness, self help, DBT, CBT, eastern philosophy, IOP, substance abuse treatment, ad nauseum. But if the core underlying PROBLEM that leads to all the behaviors isn't properly dealt with, how can I form a lasting, healthy, working solution?

Just diagnosed and started medication recently--so I don't hold any illusion that this is the end, I'm great, no more problems for me....but I can feel the difference. There's some underlying calm, peace, that I haven't felt in....forever? Well a long time.