I'm bipolar. Your reaction to that will be largely based on what you know or, God help me, think you know, about bipolar disorder.

Some of you may be thinking "But Mike, you seem so normal." I am normal. I just live with a mental illness.

Some of you may be thinking "What are you doing with normal people? Get out of here and leave us alone." I've gotten that reaction before.

Some may be thinking "You poor guy. You're so courageous." I've gotten that before too. I'm not courageous. I just live each day the best way I can, the same as you.

And some will simply accept this as a fact. Thank you. That's all I ask.

"Mental illness" isn't a scary phrase. Neither is "psychotic" as used by the mental...