Based on my casual observations of this forum, it seems like most people with bp also suffer from anxiety. I am wondering what role it plays in your life? And how you see anxiety in relation to bp symptoms or cycles?

For me, anxiety manifests in 2 primary ways - somatic/panic and obsession (oh, and a VERY major fear of flying...). My intuition tells me that anxiety develops as a sort of faulty defense mechanism in bipolar people - as an attempt to hold on to oneself/gain control in a world or body that often feels so chaotic or on the verge of destruction.

At least for me, my anxiety is one of the few things that keeps me 'in check' in terms of counteracting impulsivity and recklessness (not that I enjoy it!)...I wonder if it developed as a result of these traits somehow.

what about you?