Would people who have bipolar disorder (manic depression) choose to keep the condition or get rid of it?

I have bipolar disorder (a.k.a. manic depression). I have the bipolar II type.
I was just wondering if other people who have the condition would choose to keep it, or would choose to get rid of it, if they had the chance?
For me the question would be difficult. Sometimes I get really demoralised and downbeat about being depressed, how it (sometimes markedly) messes up my academic work because I can't be motivated to do anything, and can cause a stigma against me (I've lost jobs when I've admitted to being bipolar).
But then on the other hand, I really really appreciate my highs, when everything seems so vivid and brilliant. It makes me feel I am really experiencing life, and privy to things that people without the disorder would miss. And if I'm on a high it really really helps my academic work (I'm a postgrad) cos ideas come much faster and are better.
I was watching the Stephen Fry programme about Bipolar which aired in the UK. Most folks asked said they'd choose to keep it.

So my question is, if you have bipolar disorder, would you choose to keep it or get rid of it?
Thanks in advance for any answers.
p.s. this repeats a question I asked earlier, only because I guess there are new folks online now who weren't earlier.

A psychiatrist once told me that in general the most gifted, artistic people suffer from manic depression and judging by the large number of famous, talented people who are affected by this condition I think he was right. While some of the lows are really black, the highs can be stupendous, ideas come thick and fast though sometimes this can cause sleeplessness 24/7

Having seen its effects, I would get rid of it as quickly as possible. There is a family history of that and I am only too well aware of its results.

On March 1, 1978, I received a telephone call and can still repeat the first part of it word for word. It was telling me that sometime during the previous night, one of my brothers had decided to sit on the edge of the bathtub, put a gun to his chest and pull the trigger.

Yes, many people with this condition REFUSE to take the medication that may someday save their lives. I just hope they don't decide to take anyone else with them.

I think, on balance, I would choose to get rid of it.

Yes, as a result of bipolar disorder, I have been more interesting, more charming, more creative. I've laughed more, done more bizarre things, and gained a reputation as someone you can have a good time with, someone who's a great laugh..

But also as a result of bipolar disorder, I have been more miserable, more lost, more suicidal. I've cried more than my fair share of tears, spent too many days in bed unable to move, and that reputation has become one of unpredictability and unreliability.

Bipolar disorder has made my life both better and worse, but I would sacrifice the better if it meant I'd lose the worse. I'd give anything to be normal. To be averagely friendly, happy, intelligent, creative, funny. To wake up every morning and not have to wonder if I'm going to be in heaven or hell.

Manic depressives are prone to this most 'debilitating' mental disorder, & anyone who suffers from it must feel as though they're in some kind of "limbo state" therefore, in my sincerest of views: anybody with this CRIPPLING illness would, i'm quite certain about this....wish they would possess some sort 'miraculous' potion, take care dude!...

Hello,

Since you are single? it is very tempting to "enjoy" the highs of Manic Depression as it was called when I experienced it in a friend in the 1960's.

It is well recorded that many great achievements were established by people under the influence of this illness and I can understand the temptation to get the best out of it.

However, my friend was married and the stress on her husband and young children when she was carted off to the psychiatric ward every year or so for a few months was dreadful. (and to her friends)

In this case she would have been better off without the illness.

The time was the 1960's and it was only when her GP read up on Lithium did she become cured She has been on this drug ever since and leads a perfectly normal life.

You may consider the "ups" outweigh the "downs" but don't forget that your friends and loved ones are also victims of your illness too.

regards

Brian

I'd get rid of it now if I could. I hate the highs which can leave me as suicidal as the lows. I hate the meds. I hate having missed out on the career of my choice because my head is too disorganised for formal study. Give me the magic button to press now!

This is a hard one because i dont know who i'd be without it. I dont like having it as such but on the otherhand, it makes me who i am. You know, moody, funny not afraid to say what i think that sort of thing so unless an outright cure came along, i really dont know. Great thinking material though xxxxxxx