This is a good topic. At this point, I'm not sure if it's the bp holding me back, or the bad coping mechanisms I've adapted along the way are what's to blame. I'm very low-functioning..no degree, no driver's licence, history of short-lived jobs. It's hard not to be a bit envious of the higher-functioning people with bipolar. (Although I recognize the fact that being high-functioning comes with it's own set of challenges and this is not a competition.)
If anything, it's anxiety that holds me back the most. I'm still trying to figure out if the anxiety is co-morbid with the bp, or part of it's symptoms.