My sister who has been problem drinking recently asked me how do I cope with my life. She has not traditionally accepted my diagnosis but I have been trying to educate her here and there, slowly leaking out tidbits of information, trying to help her understand what its like for me to have bipolar 2 or soft bipolar.

I'm on 3 kinds of meds and am doing really well. I function at work, at home. It's not perfect but I can get a lot of things done that I need to get done and feel pretty good most of the time. There are ups and downs though.

Having lived most of my life without meds I believe one of the reasons I am functioning as well as I am is because of my meds. But in addition to that, there are other skills and things I have learned from therapy, books, friends, mentors. I am exercising and eating well. I have a good relationship with my husband. I am really grateful for that.

I know we all make different choices and I fully support an individual's decision around being med free vs. choosing meds. So please know that I am not judge-y or something. There were years I tried meds and they were unbearable but we seem to have found a good combination.

I'm rambling but for those who feel like they're coping, do share why..... and how.... what works for you? What do you attribute your coping to?