Are you accepting of your diagnosis?
I was the one that suspected I might have bipolar in the first place but actually after I got diagnosed I felt like when I experienced hypomania it wasn't significant enough to actually warrant a BP2 diagnosis and also because bipolar doesn't affect my relationships but I think that's because I'm a very polite and also paranoid person; I'll do everything to keep my actions and feelings from affecting others. I do accept it deep down because I know how much it affects me and I know my experiences are real but it's more other people's disbelief that makes me doubt it sometimes.

How old were you when diagnosed?
21

Current treatment choice/why?
Meds. I really needed something to stabilise me because I was having a depressive episode every year that would last months without warning and a couple of mixed states + maybe a hypomanic episode every year. I couldn't control it by changing my thinking or using some CBT crap. It was getting to the point where even though I've had good moments in my life, I was thinking, if the rest of my life is going to be like this, is it really worth living?

Did your lifestyle change since being diagnosed?
Yes! I don't drink anymore because of my meds (I never did drink much anyway but when I quit I realised I actually missed it! ) no more coffee, I eat healthier, try to cut down on sugar). Also I try and stick to a routine everyday; not saying I won't be spontaneous or anything but I need to know what I need to do everyday so I have something to focus on. I get really distracted and confused otherwise

Your opinion of meds vs alternate treatment?
I can only speak for myself but meds really helped me when I found the right one. I like it especially because it doesn't make me feel any different personality wise, I basically feel like I would when I'm not having an episode of any kind. I also take sam-e which I was surprised didn't make me hypomanic (I've had baaad luck with natural therapies before), though I don't plan on taking it in the long term.

I was in therapy but it wasn't for bipolar specifically but depression + anxiety. I don't think my psychologist thought I was really bipolar but I never discussed my hypomanic episodes with her because I was embarrassed

Level of education? did Bipolar affect your abilities?
Currently studying a bachelor's degree. Oh my god. Yes it really has. Right through my schooling I've had major troubles with being able to do any work, study, remembering things. If I'm depressed or anxious my energy level go way down and it's so hard to get anything done and if I'm hypomanic I can't concentrate. I get some moments where I'm great at school but I was never stable enough for that to last very long. Not doing well at school has always been a major source of embarrassment for me because I was always told it was my fault =\

At uni I've either got grades between B- and A- or I just straight out fail. I've had maybe one C grade haha. I've actually just returned to uni after I took some leave and so far I've been feeling good, been able to concentrate and studying has been fine. This is the first semester of uni since I've been diagnosed and been on meds that work so it will be interesting to see how that plays out

Do you work, if so where?
Not applicable

Family life? Who do you live with, how do you all cope with this disorder?
My mum and two younger sisters. When I was a teenager I was pretty difficult but I had other issues too like drug abuse, eating disorders etc. I would often yell at family members and just feel really horrible living at home. That doesn't happen now, I try and let them know how I'm feeling and I don't have anger issues. If anything I think my disorder makes me more empathetic towards issues that my sisters are facing.

Do you feel your quality of life has been increased or decreased since experiencing Bipolar Disorder?
Hard question to answer because I'm not sure when I started experiencing bipolar disorder. I was always experiencing negative moods and anxiety as a child but I don't remember anything relating to hypomania. My guess would be around 11 years old and so I would say my quality of life decreased... by a lot. Last couple of years has started to pick up (and go down again...but then pick up ahaha).