NayNay, if it's all just arguing semantics for you, no need to reply right? But obviously you wanted to reply and the same goes for other posters. And that is ok for all of us....to speak our minds. I always admit when I'm wrong once I see it. I welcome the opportunity to grow and learn. Earlier in this thread it was stated that BP is not caused by external stimuli and this just isn't true. They are still ensure what causes BP but it is known that external stimuli can have an effect on those with the condition and push a person into an episode. The reason I felt I needed to clarify was because it's dangerous to say external stimuli doesn't have an effect. It can keep people from seeking help when they really need it. I'm currently under a lot of stress and my doctors, family and I are all on guard....as we should be. I mentioned before the person who posted on a support forum saying "I don't have BP, I have a bad life and there is no fix for that". The person was led to believe external stimuli cancelled out the possibility of being in an episode and incorrectly assumed that no help could be found. Help is available for any episode, be it caused from internal or external stimuli. When I said a stress free life is a nice gig if you can get it, I was being sarcastic in the sense that nobody has a stress free life really. Pain is pain but if you cant see how being depressed with a charmed life would be much better than being depressed with a cursed one, I probably can't explain it to you. It's not a sports match or pissing contest to see who has it worse, depression is deadly regardless but with a charmed life you will have much better access to care and people who can help. What I wrote was intended to help, not hurt anyone. Some people get very offended when they are wrong and can't admit it (my dad comes to mind) others grow and learn from mistakes. I'm not saying I'm right, I'm just saying what doctors have told me and my own research and psych classes have taught me. I only mean to help and I think that's what each person who posted means to do.