Here in Australia alone there is 1 in 5 people who battle with a mental illness. I am one of those people. I am Louise and I have Bipolar. In the past 3 years since my diagnosis myself and my life in general have changed. At first I was frightened and apprehensive about what lie ahead of me. Although I had studied psychology and social science, it is very different when it lands right in you own lap! There are many horror stories about people with bipolar killing themselves. I am here today, living proof, that you can survive it. yes, it is a challenge, but it is worth it. Never give up! www.depressiontobipolar.com.au Know yourself without the illness. Sometimes it is difficult to know where the personality ends and the illness starts. I know that feeling all too well of being lost and lonely, unable to find myself anywhere. You are still you. Please dont forget that, it will hold you in good stead when you are unwell. I have made a firm decision not to let bipolar and depression beat me. The reality is..................... it can beat you if you let it. The hand we are dealt in life is not always the one we might like however, no matter what, there is always hope, love and choice if you look hard enough. I am grateful EVERYDAY for something, and I find this an incredibly powerful tool in staying well. It is easy to be grateful on the good days. It is most effective to be thankful for something, big or small, on the bad days.