I feel like I intentionally isolate myself because I have a great support system in my family and select friends, and as lucky as I feel for that, I feel like an incredible burden for the poor decisions I've made, both before and after my diagnosis.

For people who don't fully understand bipolar disorder and what it entails, someone suffering from it can easily look like a self-involved, careless, reckless, irresponsible narcissist with no regard for others... and who wants to be around that?

I DO appreciate my solo time -- I always have -- but becoming less isolated is definitely a hurdle I'd like to clear in the future.