Even though I was diagnosed at 30, I have been living with bipolar possibly since childhood. At least since 11 or 12 for sure, but maybe longer.

1. Does it get better? The illness part, I think, is getting worse. My ability to understand what I'm going through is getting better. I'm scared and nervous about this yet also hopeful. But, be aware that I'm not in any type of treatment.

2. What has helped the most? The things that helps the most is to educate myself about my illess, to embrace what is happening to me, and to be proactive whenever I'm able. Denial is the worst thing and the most destructive thing. Awareness is the key to wellness.

3. If you could give any advice to someone living with a mental illness what would it be? You are still you and not your illness. Your life isn't ruined because you have a disease. But, you must be active in your own wellness and not expect any knights and shinning armor to come rescuing you when things get bad. (That includes meds.)

4. Has medicine helped? Lithium helps me at low doses in a way with my moods. But, I haven't really been medicated enough to answer this otherwise.

5. What has been the toughest part about having a mental illness? The fact that 98% of the time, the people in your life could care less that you are ill and don't even believe it. More often than not, they won't be there for you. So, if you have someone who is there for you it is a blessing and not something everyone has in their life.

6. Do you hate mental hospitals? I've never been to one.

7. What has been the best way to get through a mental hospital visit? n/a

8. Do you have a job? Yes, I work full time 40 hours a week.

9. How do you hold a job? Willpower. Learning to hide what I'm going through. Remembering that you can't trust people to tell them if you are struggling. Unfortunately the work place is the worst place to share anything about yourself, even to get help you deserve.