Between 2008 and 2011 I was untreated and clueless. As the months went by, my behavior toward people (especially women) became more and more problematic. In 2011, I had a full blown, grade A #1 manic episode where I said and did a lot of hurtful things. My friends and family were perplexed and deeply concerned. My wife was devastated. Very few people really understood that I was sick...least of all me. When I began my treatment though, I found that my wife, friends, and family embraced me. I'm so grateful for that. Over that period of illness, I collected a lot of people who I really had no business being connected with. When I got well, I dumped them all. People were pissed, but it was what was best for me. I hate that I hurt some feelings, but I have no regrets there.