Peoples perspective of this illness vary a great deal. I think that is why we hear a lot of conflicting info even from psychiatrists. The DSM even can be seen as controversial.

I definatly have some of my own takes on bipolar, heck I actually believe you can pretty much cure yourself of it or close to it.. I also believe without treatment and age it gets worse if you just let it fester. Where most psychiatrists would say that is WILL get worse without treatment. I don't agree with the chemical imbalance theroies as a whole. And I do believe in nueroplacicity.

Many people would disagree with me on a lot of my thoughts about bipolar. And you know thats ok, we all have our own experience, knowledge and perspectives on this. Questioning things is not wrong, it's how we learn which can lead to healing.

I think sometimes people overlook other contributors to frequent and constant mood fluxuation. I believe we overlook many contributing factors to emotional turmoil and mood states. I don't believe it is all simply becasuse chemicals are gone awry and we have no control in the matter.

Sometimes my perspective on bipolar might offend people or put them off. Often it's because my ideas suggest that there is some accountability or responsability, that we have some choices and some control. But I see that is a really good thing because it tells me we can help steer this thing. Others might see that as a negative comment, infering blame which I actually am not about. Blame doesn't need a place.

And my point really is that when someone is questioning things often times they are only looking for knowledge and trying to fiqure things out for themselves. It's usually is not to invalidate another. No one mentioned in this thread which is worse, merely offer ideas on what the frequent and fast mood shifts could be attributed to.

I actually encourage this kind of discussion because it leads us all to better understanding. Maybe someone will have an 'ahh ha!" moment and gain a peice to their puzzle which could improve there situation. I improved my life a great deal from conversations like this here on PC.

"Ahh-ha" momemts are better than " oh ****.. I am screwed" moments I think.