I'm mildly bipolar and somewhat compulsive/obsessive. My Mom was most definitely bipolar- life was "interesting" with her. Mine is mild enough to control with a little pot and a lot of self-observation.

I use my "mental illness" to better myself. During the "manic" phases, I am very creative, the obsessiveness combined with the manic stage produces things like my "Birthday Gift" post, a painting of Quan Yin, and a thorough house cleaning binge! During "depressive" phases, I get "nesty", very comfort orientated. This translates into "home" projects. I have to push myself at those times, but it is a necessary thing to do. We deal with what we are dealt. I've turned liabilities into assets! Likewise, my underlying insecurity ("thank you, Mom!) has made me an over-achiever!

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: