It was a meditation exercise where you did deep breathing and focused your thoughts solely on the deep breathing. I couldn't ever completely clear my thoughts (Who could?), but I found myself able to guide and focus them. Bipolar, as you can guess, messes with my ability to do just that. It's become a signpost of sorts. If I haven't been able bring my thoughts to center in any meaningful way or send any intrusive thoughts on their way for a significant amount of time, I know something's off.

Has society's perception of the mentally ill changed for the better (or worse). Can you give a short example?