PlatinumHeart, please don't wallow in all of these negative thoughts. The main thing is to keep working with our mental-health professionals so we can be as stable as possible.

Of all things, it was years after my hubby and I were married that we both got diagnosed with bipolar. He told me when we were dating that he had noticed he could be very busy and active for awhile, but then he would just crash. And he did have one down spell during our dating time. But I didn't put it all together. We have been married over 25 years, both see psychiatrists and therapists, and are hanging in here.

My opinion is that your diagnosis isn't something you need to spring on a date too early in the relationship. Let him see your good qualities and then see if it looks like things might get serious. Other folks might think differently, though. This issue might be something to talk to a therapist about.

I think my math is right, so if 4.4% of people are bipolar, then that means just a little over 4 people in a hundred. Is that right, other folks?

Hang in here, dear one. Life as a bipolar isn't anything I would wish on anyone, but it can be managed and doesn't have to ruin our lives.