They really shouldn't change who you are. This is a very common fear. Personal experience….Though creativity is absolutely central in defining "who I am" this was a concern that I simply did not have. I was in such a bad place that nothing was a concern. Drawing breath was a resented chore. Creativity had already disappeared. I had already disappeared, you know? After I got on meds (and got them sorted to the right ones and dosages for me), I discovered that not only was creativity back in its core location, but that it was more available to me. Because it was more consistently available.
Not always and not all of them. BF and I have both been on a same med (at different times). It had killed my sex drive. Didn't phase his one bit. That's the thing about side effects. Not everyone gets them and those that do get them can experience them to different degrees. Many times, there are side effects upon starting a med that later go away as your body adjusts.
If you can actually handle them, it is possible you might not have to take meds. (Even so, would need a strong safeguard system and coping skills to manage.) It is good to take others' input regarding how you are "handling" your episodes. Sometimes we don't exactly have the most objective view on that. And you are so right -- when we're not in the midst of them, we can, if not make ourselves forget, at least minimize how bad they get. Those you trust and know you well will be able to give you the best feedback on that.