Hi bepenniman,
I'm sorry to hear about your relatives. I'm glad that you were able to survive to say the least.
I was born bipolar as far as I can remember which isn't too far because my personality has been fragmented by Dissociative Identity Disorder (also known as Multiple Personality Disorder). A few of my others suffer from Borderline Personality Disorders, Social Anxiety, and ADHD. This makes me a person that has tons of opinions on everything and usually can't make my mind up. Other than experiencing dissociative trances, I also experience Depersonalization and Derealism.
I didn't ask for any of this, as it was thrusted upon me. All that I can do is take it and deal with it the best way I know how.
It's great that you are still kicking, hang in there!