I belive it is so imortant for us to see that our disorder is NOT debilitating and NO we are not alone...so your article really intrigued me!

I know when I am in the manic end of my spectrum of moods I seem to push out the poems, the short stories, the creative creation of MANY various things. I find I also can improvise and find ways to solve problems in a more unique and satisfying way...

However I have to be careful not to WANT that manic energy all the time. For me it is a time of great progress, time of getting things done, and unfortunately times of days without more than 2 or 3 hours of sleep. But I have to admit I enjoy the energy, I even find my hobbies and interests more enjoyable...however, it can be a dangerous time for me ...for no rest is not good for a long periods of time. I find if there isn't something to do I get very irritable which doesn't make room for much relaxing. However tell me to stay on task and well that just isn't happening, my swings are to fast and too intense, therefore I can not predict moment to moment what I will be facing..renedering me unable to keep/maintain or obtain employment; which I have learned to adapt to, at first it was hard and I was pretty rough on myself but I have learned that a daily job is just not something I can accomplish (NOT For the lack of trying, although many want to believe this about those on disability) and that it is ALRIGHT to be disabled ....there is no ticky tacky little box that can contain me and the Lord doesn't make mistakes so I feel my bp is somehow an avenue for something in my life I may not have found the path to...but it will arise I have no doubt.

I am fortunate though to have a great couple of therapists and doctor who have given me various means of coping skills that I utilize when I feel I am reaching that  area of tactile sensations (YIKES ON THOSE!)..with meds, coping skills, and therapy I have learned to channel the mania and utilize the low swings in order to restore myself.

Thank you so much for this article...been a while since I've been on here and just had to let you know you are STILL very inspirational, informative, and interesting in your topic choices...

So many feel as if they are outcast or worthless due to the rapid cycling and I'll admit it is VERY VERY Hard to channel, cope, or deal with however with determination and great articles like these it gives all hope that they too can overcome!

I appreciate you informing us of yet more Greats who have accomplished much...the end result of their endeavors may not have been enjoyable or seen in their eyes as success...until they looked back! Thanks again and ENCORE  for more bp's need to know that "YES THEY CAN" accomplish many things and NOT to judge their accomplishments by other's reactions to them for so seldom is a creative mind appreciated until time passes!!

God bless and thanks again!

I love my hypomania states. I was recently diagnosed...actually a month ago..appx..getting close to two...anyway, I graduated highschool with honors, had all my credits before my senior year but decided to stay that fourth year to graduate with my class. I actually can't remember my junior year. I quit band my senior year, right when I had competed for drum major and won the spot, I quit to party. I had scholorships I turned down. Got a college degree three years later though, with honors too. I've had a variety of jobs. Did great as a real estate agent. I'm back to teaching but I can't last more than two years at one place. The longest my mania has lasted has been a little over two years. The sleep depervation has been over six months, in which I mostly find a grave-yard shift type of job..anyway I wish I could keep just the mania...I get so many ideas...it's when people like me the best...lately though I've been jumping..mania two months max, then anger and frustration for appx. a week, then I sink low...crying spells and all for months... I hate the lows!