I'm a 39 year-old male recovering alcoholic. I didn't know it, but my drinking was masking my bipolar disorder. I didn't even know what bipolar disorder was.

When I was diagnosed, it helped to know what was bothering me finally had a name. Once I could call it something, I could focus on ways to deal with it. I have been in several psychiatric hospitals. I would get better, or so it seemed, but in no time I would be right back in.

It was all very confusing, but I while in the hospitals I figured out that the people there were just like me. I had to learn to adapt in the real world and found it almost impossible. During all this, to make things more difficult, I had three spine surgeries. The surgeries kept failing, but I said to myself, God will not put anything on me that I can't handle.

I hope and pray a lot. I had a rough life. My mother left me in a motel when I was 13. I started work at 14, got my GED, and at 18 joined the Army.

I will continue to fight the good fight against this illness. I have been born to beat the odds and with correct medication, information on bipolar disorder, and 39 years of life experience, I have a can-do and will-do outlook.

Today I have a wonderful 11 year-old daughter and a beautiful wife. We got married last year. She is very understanding -- she calls me her "bipolar Taz."

Both my parents are deceased so it's up to me to carry on. I guess it's a miracle that I didn't end up in the penitentiary. I will beat the odds because it's all I know how to do.

If you would like a little advice: information and strict compliance with treatment are the keys to living well with this illness. Read all the information that you can. It always helps me to know that I am not the only one with this illness. Isn't that what counts - to know you're not alone?

It feels great to know that there are others just like you and me. May God watch over us; keep us safe when we are in danger; house us when we are homeless; feed us when we are hungry; and always give us the will to go on regardless of the circumstances.

From what I've been through, life can only get better. Thanks to all those who helped me -- names to numerous to mention. Without their help, I would not be where I am today.