Who Is Dave? Name: Dave Age: 32 Occupation: Assistant Editor for a Music Magazine Goals: To take my medication whether I think I need to or not

By the time Dave was diagnosed with bipolar at 24 he was so tired of coping with his condition that he was prepared to do anything it took to get it under control. "Since the time I was 12, I can remember dealing with wild mood swings and psychosis. It was time for a change," he says.

And so began a life of therapy, medication and self-preservation. The process hasn't been an easy one and some setbacks have occurred including the need for hospitalization but things are looking up.

After years of trying numerous mood stabilizers, antidepressants and antipsychotics drugs Dave seems to have reached a combination that works. "Now that I have some semblance of stability, the hardest part is remembering how far I've come," he says. "Sometimes I convince myself that I don't need to be on medication. I have to do a reality check to remind myself what happens when I go off of them."

Obtaining mental stability has also had a positive effect on his physical well being as well. Since his late teens, Dave has been afflicted with a serious case of rheumatoid arthritis that left him barely able to tie his shoes. But with new biologic drugs the pain has diminished and his mobility has returned. "Before I got help I didn't care enough about my health to see a rheumatologist. I was content with living with a lifetime pain. That is no longer an option."

Born in the suburbs of New York, Dave grew up a preppy geek. Now a tattooed geek he lives in the city with his girlfriend and two cats. When he is not hanging out with his cats and girlfriend or watching soccer, he can be found riding aimlessly on his motorcycle and doing crossword puzzles.