I really don't like the term "mentally ill" and have a great deal of difficulty applying it to myself. I don't feel sick, I just have a brain that processes things differently than most peoples'. TBH, I can't imagine life without the intensity, the poetry, the rollercoaster ride, and really wouldn't want to try.

As for terminology, I prefer to use "mentally interesting" or simply "bipolar" to describe my condition. I'm not ashamed of it---I didn't ask for it and it's not my fault that I have it. All I can control is my response to it, and I choose to tackle it head-on because it's NOT going away.