thanks for asking. i wasn't diagnosed til mid-30's and had been a legal secy. (and a great one) since after 1 yr. of college; had a 6yr. marriage to high school sweetheart; divorced amicably and are still friends today; married a 2nd time in '86 and celebrated 30 yrs. of marriage; we've had individual/couples counseling but never because of my bipolar issues (mainly step-kid issues); left legal field in my late 30's to become alcohol/drug abuse counselor and made all a's in school; completed most of my internship before taking final test but found most of the in-patient/out-patient facilities were so fraudulent that i had to leave before i completed the internship; never felt the bipolar got in the way but as i've aged and learned everything that i could, i know all my triggers and know what i need to stay stable. i have a very patient, understanding hubby and i articulate when i feel manic, anxious, need quiet time and space and must take 1/2 seroquel nightly to stop the racing thoughts. i am now remembering that one therapist about 10 yr. ago asked me to tell her everything about me, who i am, and what i've learned about this mental illness so she could become more aware of its effects for her other clients. that's why i suggested learning all you can and there are so many issues on the manic and depressive side of the illness and we all experience it differently and that's why there are so many meds…it's trial and error til you find the right `fit'. at almost 70 and being retired, i am totally open about my illness and do not hide it from anyone (no longer need to fear losing a job, etc.) and all of our couple friends and my girlfriends know who i am inside and out and amazingly i have found that the more open i am about this disorder, other people have a friend or family member who also has bipolar…we are far from being alone.