I see myself seperate from illness, im not ill as a person, but i am severely affected by a real illness that to others isnt so noticeable, obvious, understandable, but to me because i feel, see, live with it, and have experienced it for long time, not all my life but numerous years, so i know its characteristics well, I cant ignore the reality of what it is. Awareness of, understanding it is important to be able to deal with it and make vital changes i want and need in life. It gives power to me to see that i am not Bipolar. Focusing and developing my strengths, qualities, and tackling/overcoming underlying factors, unhelpful habits, is important.