Hello Creative Light,

In reading all of the posts, it only reinforces that we are all unique, in our thoughts, beliefs and emotional awareness. We will all interpret things differently. Your views are your views, others may share them or not.

I do think that you might have shared your experience and then phrased your question differently. There are several assumptions made with "Why do you?"

I do understand what you are saying about associating "one's whole being" to the bipolar disease. However, we all cope differently. Some people become their illness and lose sight of their true identity outside of the illness.

Yes, we each need to own or take responsibility for our choices. Does this still apply to a mentally ill patient who is psychotic? Does this person have control over his/her decisions? What if the person is at risk of harming self or others?

I am interested in your thoughts.