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It’s happened to just about all of us. Things were going great - or at least not so bad - then it all hit the fan. Overnight - or maybe in slow stages - everything changes: No career, no friends, no loving relationships, ruined finances, and on and on.

Now, on top of an illness to contend with, you are faced with the daunting prospect of rebuilding your life from scratch.

Some of us have been successful. Others are still struggling. No matter where you are in putting back the pieces, we need to hear from you. Please share with us how you overcame the special challenges, as well as issues you are still dealing with. Loved ones, feel free to join in.

Crisis has overtaken you. You are seconds away from doing something that will wreck your life. Your reputation may hang in the balance. Maybe your job or financial security or personal safety or loving relationship.  Maybe even your very life.

Primitive emotion is driving your brain. Rational thought is gone. You are a walking disaster just about to happen.

Question: Is it possible to avoid the worst and manage your way through these situations? Please feel free to share your successes and failures. Loved ones, feel free to jump into the conversation.

We’re all familiar with the DSM-IV checklists. Now it’s time for a reality check. Pretend the DSM never existed. Now tell us about your depressions and manias and related states - as you experience them. Don’t worry whether a symptom may be mood-related or not. Simply share with us what is going on.

Loved ones: We badly need your input in this discussion. What do you see going on when your affected loved one acts up?

Oh, oh. Shit happens. When it hits the fan, it’s too late. You need to act now. before you slide into depression or fly into mania - or anxiety or psychosis. How do you intercept an incipient mood swing? What are your strategies. Success stories? Failures?

Here we go again. The depression has started. You can’t stop it. Or you can’t get off the mania express. Tell us your survival strategies. Are there ways to soften the crash landing?

I may have a mood disorder, but you are the ones who suffer from it. Actually, I’m also a loved one. I know first-hand what you put up with. How do you manage your loved one? When is the time for compassion? When is the time for a good swift kick in the pants? What kind of arrangements - formal and informal - do you have in place with your loved one?

Whether you are far along in your recovery or are still struggling, all of us have much to learn from how you manage to get through each day.

What are your secrets? A sense of humor? Cultivating friendships? Spirituality? Practicing mindfulness? Good habits?

What gets you through the tough patches and keeps you enjoying the good ones?

Your insights here can save lives and help many others get theirs back. Please do not hesitate to post.

For many of us, mood may be the least of our problems. Most of us have a range of emotional and personality issues to contend with. These may include anger, social isolation, reacting badly to stress, trouble dealing with people, irrational fears, failure to meet goals and deadlines, bad habits, and so on. Often, these are the issues standing in the way of our recovery.

Please feel free to share with others on what is holding you back.

Also, please feel free to share your success stories.