When I was first diagnosed, I didn't really tell anyone but those close to me. Then I began to wear it on my sleeve for awhile, I was manic through most of this. Depending on the day and my mood I say either or both. There are days that I feel small, times when I feel like the Illness consumes me and on those days I AM Bipolar. The days that I feel fine I HAVE Bipolar disorder. No single thing defines an individual but rather the sum of many small pieces. Bipolar is a large part of my life, forever.