I only draw/paint when I'm manic. I don't get upset that I can't do it when I'm not manic, because what I think is incredibly earth-shatteringly brilliant while I'm manic is really a pile of poop, I'm just so manic my confidence is inflated.

I have found a lot of success in writing and music, but I still find myself unable to really tell if maybe I'm getting a little carried away with myself. In some ways, telling myself I'm amazing gives me the confidence to do my best work, but just because *I* think it's awesome doesn't mean it is.

I write what I consider good poetry when I'm depressed. I write crappy, pretentious poetry when I'm manic. I do my best work when I'm relatively within normal mood range. High normal or low normal. I am no more or less capable on meds or off meds.