Sometimes it can be counterproductive to think of ourselves in terms of our problems, and it can seem dehumanizing to rattle off a bunch of clinical terms to describe ourselves. As corny as it sounds, it can be better to think of yourself as a unique person with strengths and weaknesses like every other person. I think a lot of these disorders wouldn't even be so problematic if our society was less demanding of us.

I've been diagnosed with ADD and bipolar II. Having ADD means it is very hard for me to focus on things that I'm not interested in. If I have to read something I think is boring, for instance, I'll read the same page ten times without understanding what it's saying, because my mind doesn't want to. I take medication for this, because I don't think I would be able to hold down most jobs otherwise. ADD is overdiagnosed, but it is also quite real.

Quote Originally Posted by batman11
How do you feel if you are bipolar? first hand

And being schizophrenic?
I only have bipolar II, which is not as severe, and not as commonly diagnosed as bipolar I. Bipolar II is a non-hereditary form of the disorder, although there is debate where it comes from. Generally, I have periods of a few days or weeks on and off where I just feel really depressed. Like I think my girlfriend is going to dump me because I'm a loser, or I don't feel like doing anything at all. I've often felt like there's really no point to life. But then eventually that goes away and I feel a lot better. Sometimes under a lot of stress, I have a hypomanic episode. These are AWESOME! Essentially they're a few days of me not needing to eat or sleep and having tons of energy and lots of great ideas, and accomplishing whatever I set my mind to. A pity they only come once a year or less.

Schizophrenia is very different from how people normally think of it. In general terms, it's the loosening of your perception of reality. Mild schizophrenia often manifests itself as putting a great amount of significance on things that most people wouldn't notice. For instance, the guy with the camera in American Beauty would be a good example of someone with mild schizophrenia. Take the whole bag-in-the-wind thing for example. People with full-blown schizophrenia often will completely lose touch with reality.

Quote Originally Posted by Storm Crow
We get these problems and it is up to us to deal with them in the best way possible. OK, I'm a little crazy, but I still like me! Each "mental illness" can be used to produce positive results! How can you "twist" your problem to be a good thing?- Granny:hippy:
I know what you mean. For instance, people with ADD tend to be more creative. The same goes for people with bipolar. I have both, and I am extremely creative, especially when it comes to solving problems. This would make me a great engineer... if only I could do the paperwork. I graduated college with a degree in engineering, but the entry-level jobs are so mind-numbing I can barely do them. The ADD medication helps, but there are side effects. Anyway, I'm really hoping for the best.