well, we are all different as you know. I cant really answer that question very well. I have always been pretty much functional. The only times I was a real mess was once during college, when I had to drop out due to a LSD-triggered psychotic episode. That plunged me into a depression for about 6 months, but I went back to functional after that.

And one other time when I went into extreme Mania a few years ago and also went psychotic. I was discharged from the hospital on seroquel and depakote to control my psychotic mania. I couldn't function on the meds. I was sleeping all day and unmotivated to work. I was severely in debt and had a family to feed. It was a clear, easy choice... I immediately went off my meds,so I could work. I worked my *** off, and had to file bankruptcy. But I survived and barely kept my marriage intact. Been fully functional ever since. I am a highly motivated person, I think it is just a personality trait of mine. I am also one of those bipoalr people that tends to stay mostly on the manic side, so I have energy and succeed at work.

That is all I can think of...