It is considered a mental illness. I prefer to think of it as an illness. When I am in the throes of depression, I am definitely unwell -- not myself at all. I don't see my bipolar disorder at all as the usual me; it is the ill me and requires intervention -- generally medical in my case -- in order for my condition to improve.

I know some people feel that bipolar disorder is more of who they are and internalize it as more a part of their personality or human condition, but for me, the symptoms I deal with in a bipolar episode are not my norm and are not a part of my true personality and being. Those symptoms become quite severe and make it difficult to function, and for me, those symptoms can be remedied medically when necessary. Fortunately, I have reached a place of stability for the last several years and have not been ill at all. I have a much surer sense of the me without bipolar disorder now, so I am even firmer in my belief that it is an illness for me.