I have my own travel company - working primarily with groups. When I am stable or hypomanic, it is awesome. I am so good at my job and I get really excited about booking individual and family travel as well as my groups. I spend money on marketing and advertising in the community and I really believe that I'm going to grow my business and be super successful.

Then I cycle into depression and it all seems very hopeless. I know I'm in a deep depression when I go on line and start looking for jobs. I convince myself that I'm not going to be able to keep my business going.

I have a wonderful assistant who understands my illness. She really takes over and manages things for me when I can't. She will come over and tell me exactly what to do. She looks over my shoulder if I have to book something, to make sure I don't make a mistake. She reminds me that his mood will pass and I will feel better again.

And that is what happens. The depression fades away and I can't remember why I felt so discouraged and everything seems exciting and I start making grand plans again.

It is exhausting, but I am grateful for the good times. I really do love what I do when I am able to do it.