To me, Bipolar Disorder is a thief. A thief that I am constantly trying to keep out of my house by staying medication compliant. If I don't, it will steal my family and my life. Even though I am med compliant, it has already stolen my ability to function as a home day care provider / preschool teacher. I stopped working in May. The stress was too high, and I could no longer tolerate the noise. I had enjoyed doing this for 15 years. Bipolar Disorder is also not sleeping well, being tired and cranky and still having to be Mommy and Wife. It never goes away like the flu. It's 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for life. You have been sentenced!