lol @ fetish, i almost deleted/replaced the word "normal" with another adjective but decided to go with it. I agree that there is no fixed description for normal that applies to everyone. The definition of normal is different for each individual. What might feel normal (ie comfortable/familiar) to me might drive you "crazy". Anyways thanks for inspiring me to clarify my meaning.
I have dealt with the issue of mental illness from almost every conceivable angle from being the child of a severly bi polar mother whose first hospitalization occured when i was 10 to being diagnosed myself as an adult to working in the field with mental health professionals. I could write a book on the subject. The most important thing I have taken away from my experiences is the importance of the person with the condition not to stygmatize themselves. Sure, get treatment, educate yourself and be your own strongest advocate but realize that you are so much more than that diagnosis, which is what I meant by not letting it define you as a person.