How would you rate your quality of life- from 1 to 10?
Probably an 8. I don't do all that I could with my life - I am just too emotionally spent to use my free time to meet my needs.

Are you happy?
Happy? Yes, but I have trouble feeling joy.

Have you been able to do all the things you want to do?
I have a successful marriage and have raised 2 wonderful children to adulthood. My job is ok. That is probably the area where I am most disappointed. I wish I had a career I was proud of rather than just a job.

Do you think you'll be able to do whatever you want to in the future?
Maybe. Depression seems to be lurking always in the background. Who knows when it will next take hold of me.

How much do your symptoms impact you?
Currently I am stable and things are good. I am happy and healthy.

What brings you down the most and what makes you feel best?
It all depends. I can't really say out of context what makes me down.
My family makes me feel best. I love being around them and they enjoy me so I have avoided the real potential for BP to wreck havoc with my interpersonal relations.