My bi-polar to me is a condition, a manageable one. But I know people who don't respond to the medication as well as I have and I am lucky that way.I guess it can be compared to the Autism and Aspergers scale, as everyone's depression or bi polar is different and some can function as normal where it knocks the sails completely out of others.
I know people who will never be able to work because of their mental afflictions. There are ignorsnt people that com plain about how much money they are awarded from the Dwp. But i am sure that they would rather be fit as a fiddle and earning a little less than suffer stigma and low moods and anxiety and sleep problems. These people need educated. I lost so many people too because of my bi- polar one too.
We all need a rant at times. Keep your chin up.
Have you applied for disability paymens? I am in UK and I was convinced to try, to make life a little easier but I got rejected. I would have carried on at college and did degree level, not take drugs or drink like some people expect.