I think its wonderful that you have found so much positive in such a sometimes debilitating illness. I hope someday I will get there.

At least for now, I have not had any positive experiences with my illness. I have had 2 major manic episodes and more hypomania with crippling depressions following or preceding each episode. My family has suffered: my husband has lost the together wife he once had; my children have been deprived of the stable mom and life they deserve. I think it's confusing for them too because sometimes, especially if hypomanic, I have or at least seem have things together. They do, at least, know how very loved they are. Our finances have suffered, my friends have distanced themselves and I have, especially as a Christian, lost much of my credibility. It hurts.