[TheatreKid]

So, bipolar sucks. It really does. But I think about who I might be without it, and there are parts of me that I really wouldn't want to let go.

1) My sense of humour is out of the box, off the wall. I have a lot of fun with it, and take other people along for the ride. It reminds me of someone I love who is the same.

2) My creativity. I come up with some interesting solutions to problems, I'm very resourceful thanks to my creativity, and artistically it helps too.

3) As time has gone on, I have developed this unshakeable self confidence. It's only absent when I'm depressed. I think if I ever achieve anything great, it will be because I have this enormous self confidence that tells me I am capable of something great. I hear people make jokes about how they'll never be famous and it jars me, because really, couldn't anyone be famous if they're lucky/talented enough? It's not being conceited to think it's possible for me, I don't see myself as superior. Just capable of greatness. Like everyone is, but I just realize it.

What has bipolar given you that you wouldn't want to let go?

[pawn78]

Same here. I love being bipolar actually.

Amazing creativity, sense of humor, outrageous self-confidence, ability to FEEL powerful emotions and go into ecstasy. A fantastic sex drive, and sexual prowess... mmm, to me it is worth all the depression and pain I have been through.

[cashart10]

Ditto to previous posts! I will add lack of inhibition and an amazing passion for all things.

[TheatreKid]

I really enjoy that amazing passion for everything when I'm manic. Lately I've been able to find moments of than even while stable. It's great. At this point in my life I don't think I'd want to be not-bipolar either, I've learned to deal with it and am prepared to accept the downside in order to have the upside.

[venusss]

asides from creativity, my hyperfocus (which can drive people around me insane, but gets **** done)... the guts to do things.

[Skitz13]

Bipolar gives me nothing that I can be proud of

[Disorder7]

I agree Skitz. When I'm manic, I'm a violent *****. I get a rush from hurting others. I'm not pleasant to be around and I'm not proud of it.

[TRNRMOM]

i'm only hypomanic w/no depression but i have a lot of charisma that draws people to me; i am extremely self-aware and have great insight into other people. i am told i am others' reality so being bipolar isn't all bad…but hate the irritability, agitation, insomnia and loss of memory that comes w/it.

[BipolaRNurse]

I love it that I have so much passion and fire (especially when hypomanic) and the ability to feel things so deeply. I also like being creative with words and touching peoples' lives with them. I don't think I'd have all that if I weren't bipolar.

[Curiosity77]

I love the range of emotions and wild experiences i have had during hypomania. For example, intense conversations with people where i suddenly see the connections between the connections, and i understand everything. Plus there's really great sex, that's definitely a bonus, and being fearless enough to go after some pretty big dreams and adventures. Also, i think the extreme states i've been to make me better as a mental health nurse because i am bot scared by other people's extreme states, and i have more empathy. Some of the best times in my life have been during hypomania, the problem is when it goes mixed or crosses the line from nice hypo into full blown destructive. I don't think it's possible for me to stay in that sweet spot for long, but i'm grateful that i had the chance to experience it. I like the description from
Icarus Project as bipolar being a dangerous gift. That's how it is for me.

[buzz bee]

Originally Posted by Skitz13

Bipolar gives me nothing that I can be proud of

I totally agree. Im finally doing what Im suppose to be doing to live with it. I feel better, almost a new me that I've never known about. But there is a past that I want to bury so bad but I keep reminding myself. This disease is horrible. Its painful, debilitating, embarrassing, and frustrating. Im sure there are other words, but thankful and glad isn't one of them.

[Love&Toil]

I agree with some that bipolar can give you a really great type of sensitivity to life, an ability to see, feel, taste, and touch things more intensely. I am also one of those who can get things done. More sensitivity to sex is also great. I miss that a lot since my meds dampen that out.

[r010159]

Mindlessness, and the empathy for those going through the same.

[lilypup]

Definitely hypomania. I earned two college degrees and wrote a novel during this time.

[Secretum]

I love the passion and ambition that I experience especially when I'm on the manic end of things.

I love the bubbly, electric elation that washes over my body.

I like the insights into life that I have, even if other people call them "delusions". I've talked to dead people. I understand life better than most people my age. I wouldn't have these experiences if it wasn't for this "dangerous gift",

I like that I've felt the full force of my soul. In times of deep depression, when I am all out of hope, I've seen the light of my own soul shine, the beauty of my last shred of hope, the life force within me.

I like that I'm compassionate, as I've gone through hard times myself.

Wow, I never realized I liked being bipolar so much! Haha.

[wiretwister]

was the life of the party and very witty never for a lose of the right thing to say,,before med,, now jack is a very dull boy...I seem to remember sex kinda... I almost never laugh.. sleep is a struggle. yah i love this