Dark Heart, I understand where you're coming from, I think the real difference is perception. I guess what I am really getting at is that for some people, me included, it is easier to accept the dx of bp if you are willing to embrace it instead of fight it.

Because it is a lifelong disease, I think it is easier to accept by saying "I am bipolar, and it is okay". I am not saying that it is the same for everyone, and if it is not part of your personal feelings, it's okay. I just think that it is easier for me by saying that I am bipolar, so I have to go see my T and my pdoc and take my meds because it's who I am. Doing all the things necessary to get stabilized and maintain that stability is also a part of who I am.

Going to a T to help recognize triggers, signs of going into an episode, and how to mentally handle episodes to keep them manageable, is all a part of trying to control a part of who I am.

I guess the difference is that it is easier for me to personally accept it if I look at it as a part of who I am, instead of something I'm afflicted with. Like I said, it is a personal preference of how you chose to look at it. If you chose to look at it as a disorder that needs to be fixed, and that is how you handle it better, then I am by no means saying you are wrong. I am merely saying that if I acknowledge it as part of who I am, it is easier for me to accept.

Part of that, I think, is that my father is bipolar (undiagnosed, but blatantly obvious). I see who he is, which definitely is shaped by the disorder, and I don't want to become who he is. By accepting who he is and who I am, it is easier for me to follow my treatment plan because I don't want to become him. Bp is going to shape me into the kind of person he is if I don't take steps to get it under control. I just feel that it is an integral part of who I am.

But like I said, if you don't, you are by no means wrong. It's is just a difference in perception. You may think it is cold outside and I may not, but that doesn't mean either of us is wrong. I am sorry if I gave the impression that I think your position is wrong. I just thought it would be something interesting for everyone to think about. Maybe I should create another thread and do a poll, just to see if there is a general concensous.

Also, sorry if I was rambling and not one understood half of what I said. I'm a bit manic and so thoughts are flying faster than my fingers.