"Being bipolar is hard to explain. One the one side I can be over-enthusiastic about life. I can get so enthralled that my daily life becomes unorganized. But I see beauty in everything and I see every little detail in life as precious. There is inherent value and meaning in the world. That's the good part."

"And on the other side?"

"The worst part is the depression. My thoughts run me down and I get so disorganized that I start to lose my own identity. After an episode, I have to start over and re-establish who I am. And while I'm doing that I have to pick up the pieces of my daily life which I have left in shambles. It's exhausting - but beautiful too, because when I get out of my depression I become manic again. Again and again."