I've seen it as a character flaw -- I wasn't always like this to begin with. Perhaps I was, without means to act. It's only recently I've been able to really look back and see where I've made impulsive, crazy and dangerous decisions based on either sadness or an elated moment. I take ownership for my mistakes, I don't relate it to my illness.

My mistakes and poor judgement are of my own doing, I won't blame it on a disorder -- but at the same time, we are talking about the mind. Is it not rational to think that a mental illness is the root of behavior? It's all interconnected and gets a bit convoluted for me.

I've learned the hard way I can't go without meds. That in part should tell me it's in part something other than a character flaw, but it's hard to see it as such.

I hope that made sense -- my thoughts all feel disconnected today. I'm in short trying to say I agree with you and internalize the mistakes and issues as a personality flaw, rather than my illness.