I echo what a lot of people have said here. In fact, there is still just a wee bit of denial left that I have yet to work through, especially in view of the fact that I'm 7 months post-diagnosis and I'm not fixed yet. I don't deal well with the "lifelong" aspect of this thing. I'm used to getting an illness, taking pills for a week or two and then the illness goes away. But with bipolar, I've had one single, blessed, month-long period of stability since I was diagnosed (and undoubtedly for many years before that), and that's it---I'm back to struggling for every bit of sanity I can possibly grasp. Thank God for my meds, or I'd be a hot mess.........again.

It helps a lot to be able to come here and 'chat' with others who share this affliction and fight the same battles. There is so much knowledge and wisdom here. Drink deeply of it, and learn.