Bigdog...

you're right...many believe that genetic predisposition + severe stress = bipolar. I do believe that the stress of my marriage, which was extremely abusive emotionally and verbally, was a contributing factor in my disease. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that the stress of living with bipolar parents is a major factor for many, including my ex.

All that said, the stuff about choice of behavior came from the most prestigious mental health hospital there is, where my ex spent 5 weeks not long before we split up. It may not be easy, but they don't have to spend hours yelling at you...and you don't have to stand there and take it.

DJ