1.) Since being medicated how much does having bipolar 2 interfere with your normal life? Are you able to maintain a job, relationship, etc.

-Relationships haven't been an issue but my lithium makes me forget simple things like the day or what time I need to be somewhere.

2.) Do you every worry that you will escalate from hypomania to full blown mania? I find myself worrying about that a lot when I am hypo, and I'm not sure if that's even a possibility?

-Not really, but "mania" is a loaded term and it means different things to different people. For me, mania means anger. A big part of this challenge is knowing when it is coming. Mania sneaks up on people and they're in it before they know it. Catching it early is critical.

3.) Do you ever experience psychosis and if so could you explain what it feels like for you personally?

-No but I do see shadows out of the corner of my eye. My p-doc said this isn't mania and is common for people with BP2.

4.) How often since being medicated do you experience major depressive or hypomanic episodes?

-Over time, they seem to be diminishing but you *absolutely* need to combine medication with self care like diet, exercise, mindfulness, and sleep. Your life sort of becomes a new paradigm.

5.) What is your reason for fighting everyday? What keeps you from giving up?

-Why quit? There's no choice - it doesn't go away. I'm simply thankful I know what is wrong with me so I can work to manage it.

As an aside, you don't sound worthless. You know what's wrong, you take your medication, and you stay active. You're heading in the right direction, you just need to stick with it and accept it will be a lifelong battle of lots of ups and a few downs. Almost everyone with BP slips here and there.

BTW I grew up in Town and Country! Small world............