I just want to make a point about life experiences.

You may have had symptoms before your diagnosis but that does not mean you should discount the memory as any less fun/sad. Even if it is a sign of hypomania or chronic depression you have to take it for what it is and leave it at that. I clearly know that the few months as a child that I believe I was implanted with radio things as a child in my fingertips was some kind of hypomania/mania. I know that at 11 years old I was suicidal. I know there are points in my life that I can say I had symptoms. But they are my experiences and whether or not it truly is a symptom of bipolar matters not. It's an experience and it is as important as any other experience. Don't try to devalue your memory because your perspective is as important as everyone else.

I know my lenses are shaded by this color, bipolar. It's part of who I am, but it's not the most important part. My symptoms have reduced a lot since I've come to this understanding. I know I am ill, but I know that the illness isn't everything.

The funny thing about this is that seeing Venus on the boards actually prompted me to get to that state. Then seeing Anika and Trippin slowly drop their meds gave me confidence in this new perspective. (Although I do choose to stay medicated)

I think PC helps because people post who care and who prompt you to do better for yourself. It's not a community that rejoices in the illness, but holds onto the very real human desires we all have and doesn't devalue anyone's experience. It's also the friendliest board on PC. (I am totally biased)