I echo Roadie. Nobody grows up thinking they're going to be a bipolar alcoholic, but both of us did, and it made us strong, determined women. It's also made our lives much more textured and multifaceted than the average, and that keeps life from getting stale and boring.

Not that I would wish any of my illnesses on anyone......I'd rather not have them, but since I do, I figure I may as well live the best life I can with them and pass on my experiences to others who want to hear about them. I just started a blog on Wordpress called bpnurse---I hate being bipolar. It's AWESOME! and already have a few followers. Maybe one day someone will learn something from what I share on the blog and avoid making a terrible mistake.....that would be the best reward of all.