i too find i am more compassionate. if i were merely antisocial i don't think id appreciate the depth of emotion i can feel, and therefore recognize others can feel it too.

furthermore, depression allows me to see things in a new "light". when ur too happy go lucky its like u run into a brick wall cuz ur so blind but mild depression can have u look at stuff more realistically.

that said, i wouldn't wish bipolar on anyone, and the intense episodes are nothing to gawk at. thank god ive been stable (relatively) for 2 years now.