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[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

8. Biological and hereditary

About 15 years before I was hit by a major manic/depression episode I saw my uncle (mother's brother) in a deep depression -- spending entire days in his bedroom with blinds pulled, never getting out of bed, not shaving or changing out of pajamas. Later, when it hit me I called his episode "preview of coming attractions." I vowed to always shave, shower and dress every day, no matter how late in the day I did it.

I knew something biological was wrong early on (teens), but no one believed it. Unfortunately, by the time it was diagnosed and successfully treated (meds and talk therapy) I had tried three careers (flying, law and television) whose stress didn't mix with untreated bipolar. I'm fairly well managed, but at age 67 most dreams of a career or adventure (at one time I wanted to sail around the world) have faded from memory.

I am glad I finally got treatment. Life is less interesting without the mania, but I'll trade that for the increasingly serious bouts of depression any day.