This is an interesting article. I have never thought of myself being bipolar as a disorder. The label has helped me understand what is going on and to be more aware of some of the things I am doing. I also have been able to help myself and find people who struggle with the same things I do. We learn from each other.

I have had dark days I did not know were depression, I actually think I spend much more time mixed than being depressed. I go back and forth with whether or not to tell people I am bipolar because I do not want to be judged because of it, but it usually comes out (when I am manic usually).

I have worked really hard in my life and I am proud of what I have done. I did what I do since before I knew I was bp (only have known for 3 years). I am very successful in my profession and am well respected. I believe that I have been able to leverage a lot of my symptoms and how to cope with them on my own. I am also lucky that my job is known to have many "characters," it is also male dominated. I suppose it is almost expected for me to be quirky (that is how I characterize it at least).

Point is that although I do struggle I have been able to overcome. Sometimes when I get to know someone better I will mention that I had been having issues. Usually they say that they could not see it. I hope they aren't just being nice. It makes me realize that maybe I am not acting as crazy as I feel. I hope people have positive experiences with me in turn reducing the stigma. I hope.