Thought you all might enjoy this quote from a book about bipolar :-)

It's true. And that's why I say that other people really can be toxic. They don't know. They give bad advice, don't take it seriously, don't care because they don't have to deal with the reality of it, nor do they want to. For us, it's life. We go through it with the people we love.

I'd like to share a little something about my experience with some of society's view/attitude with mental illeness. When I lived in Montana in Missoula, I use to take meals out to some of the homeless people who lived by the river by the courthouse. There was this old man who played guitar. I'd talk to him and he knew I had two little ones. He never would accept a meal without giving me a balloon animal or something in return. He, I know now from what he described and what I've learned, was bp. He was very talented, funny and artistic. He use to be a comedian. When his wife passed away, he lost everything and had no one else. Society cast him out. He went between great depression and overcompensating. A kind, understand but misunderstood human being. I think about him once in a while. But what I think about, is, where would my sister be if not for my parents? She is 37, on social security and lives with my parents. She cannot function in the world...at all. She has had bp since very little (unusual). There is hardly ever and in-between for her. She goes from the extreme manic to extreme depression and has other things. She gets physically violent and can't get rid of anything (collects gargage). VERY creative and artistically talented and good with English/writing. She was reclusive as a child. It's heartbreaking because she wants "a life" so bad. Resents me for "having one". People don't understand her. I'm greatful for my blessings. I'm 33, and was more the "big sister". I see other sisters and my heart breaks.

Lost wife-I just want to encourage you to keep on hopeing.Things often change when we least expect it.
I truely believe you are a wonderful man& that you have the most awesome of Hearts-thank-you ,for being you.It is very sad about your sister-but her life would be so much less with out your love for her....Blessings to you bro.