Also, I think a lot of us are secretive about our moods. I think it comes from the fact that the stigma is real and there are many people who do think that we're making stuff up (for attention, to be lazy, blah blah blah.) So, I think a defence that builds is to just keep it to ourselves. I know that is true for me at least. But, I've seen other people say that they are good at hidding it, too.

Also, bipolar effects us all differently. It is what you make it, in the end. Giving in and saying "I have bipolar, I'm helpless to stop it," will turn it into a run away train. But, if you keep trying and keep aiming toward wellness and learning how it works for you, then over time you get stronger. That's the only reason I'm stilling going, really. I think everyone here is really fighting for their own wellness, and that is awesome.