The Final Analysis

I am fortunate that my lucid intervals are fairly long and free of impediment. The only time I require strong medication is during an episode. Normally, the only medication I take is a mood stabilizer to prevent the occurrence of further episodes. Not everyone with bipolar disorder is so fortunate. But everyone will benefit from understanding themselves and their moods better; from learning to recognize the onset of an episode; from learning to reach for the tablets and the doctor at the earliest possible moment.

We are all traveling in different directions, on different roads, in different vehicles. But the rules of the road are the same for all of us. Go with the flow. Drive on the right, except sometimes. Don't exceed the speed limit, unless no one is watching. We will all pass through similar scenery. And the warning signs are the same wherever we are. So I hope my warning signs will help other travelers and give some indication of what lies ahead. And if the traffic cops catch you speeding, submit quietly. Never think you can outrun them. A high-speed chase will end in tears. Your mileage may vary.

There is a tendency to feel ashamed of being bipolar. This is understandable and natural, but totally unreasonable. Bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component — blame your parents' genes (and their parents too). There is, however, shame if you let bipolar disorder ruin your life. There is a lot you can do about it, and only you can do it. With the combination of modern medicine, some effort on your part to understand it and fight it, and the love and support of friends and family, you can subdue it. Bipolar disorder does not have to ruin your life. There's every chance it will not stop you from doing what you want in your life. It didn't stop me.

Take comfort from the fact that many of the world's most creative people have been either bipolar or depressive. The proportion of famous people recognized for their creativity that have bipolar disorder is far greater than that of the general population. "Sanity is boring and true genius may be born of mood swings and mania."