[QUOTE=Tucson;5267468]Please do not take the following in the wrong way, but I do not understand why anyone would want to be manic or depressed at all, even hypomanic. Sure there are good aspects of this illness, but that is only one side of the picture. What about being impulsive and there is that risk taking behavior? Perhaps the hypomania that everyone likes, where they are in complete control is not what the psychiatrists refer to as part of the illness? IMO diagnosis is made when the behavior can become destructive. It is only when this becomes self-destructive when the professional would consider it a problem. But I do understand why some would like the good type of hypomania over the more manic symptoms, or depression.

Just some thoughts.

If I had a choice, I preferr hypimania over depression. It feels better, no, it feel good, like a drug. I do not like feeling drugged. I would rather feel "normal". I can still get allot done when I am in this state of mind, I am smart, and life is good. However, I would like the energy and exhuberance that I had when I was young. But this is not hypomania that I am talking about here. Perhaps exersize, a ballanced life, and eating healthy foods would provide this to me? Also appreciating what I already have, and planning good things for the future can help too?

What do all of you think?

FWIW

For me it's like a drug too and I prefer it over feeling normal any day.