Being a control-freak helps heaps...REALLY!
Honestly tho,I dont have an answer for you.I was dealing with bipolar for 10yrs before it had a name,medicating it and the side-effects that accompanied meds made me feel worse than 'just' being bipolar. I figured I could go back to coping on my own since I did it so long anyway. Also this time, I had knowledge to back up my already amazing insight, both great for the toolbox! Other than that, idk how to explain it, but Roadie's on the right track in her post...