My"eccentric" person does not disappear when my episodes of mania or depression go away. The symptom free ideal is never reached in my case. I have struggled for a huge portion of my life to fit in with "normal" people. It doesn't stick. I am not an unbearable person either. I do like and love myself but I do loath this demon that I struggle with.

I also struggle with finding the right treatments be it no meds or yes meds. I really believe that being bipolar sets us apart from those who don't struggle with MI. We fight everyday to survive, we have the courage to rise up again from something that can be so vicious and cruel and take us to the point of being a victim of it. We keep trying over and over with the resources available, anything and everything to fight for our lives or our loved ones,

I do have much sorrow for those who have ended themselves because of such a relentless illness. I always hope that those who are suffering always have access to treatments available and the understanding and support needed.

It doesn't settle well with me seeing those at odds with each other on an issue that should of which be supportive.