I don't think I can answer you questions, but just going to add that being bipolar for me is far from being normal. My depression keeps me from doing the things I used to love to do. It keeps me from being with family and friends. It keeps me from enjoying my day and each day that goes by is one I consider lost. I can't get it back and the days just keep ticking away. There are memories I'm not making because I can't drag myself up to do anything. I hope this isn't normal. It would be sad if it were.