So I had my last and what I believe is my final severe manic episode about 9 months ago. I am 24 and have had bipolar affective disorder for 11 years. I am done with it now. It's brilliance that counts and any behavior which some people close to me may find unlike what they believe is "me" will have to be accepted as, me. I have been, and am still on, soul numbing meds since age 13, it is only now that my true self is shining through. I feel great on minimum dosage but I would love to know what I could do with my mind if I came off the meds altogether. Here's where I would be grateful for some thoughts, considering the information I have provided. I would love some guidance or advice on bow best to approach this. Psychiatry tells me my meds are the equivalent to a diabetics insulin. I know that evolutionarily my mind is so for a reason, it's "abnormality" that drives our species on through the kind of creativity and innovation lacking from normal minds. I want to be helped so I can help. With gratitude