Between the "I" that is us and our illness that presumes to establish dominion over the "I" is a battle played out on the field of behavior. Everything is fair game, from our likes and dislikes to how we relate to people to how we experience our surroundings.

In some instances, we need to accept who we are and adapt accordingly. In others, we need to learn to control that which puts our families, livelihoods, reputations, and lives at risk. Finally, we can give thanks for those parts of us that are true gifts.

The first article looks at introversion and other personality traits that loom large in depression and bipolar disorder.

"Drop Till You Shop" examines depression-fueled shopping, and "Self-Injury" looks at destructive practice of cutting.

"The Brain in Love and Lust" runs the gamut, from attraction to Viagra.

"Anger" is all about keeping cool to stay calm while "Exuberance" shows us that not everything we do should be regarded as pathological.

"Apathy Matters" and "No Pleasure" explore the side of depression that leaves you flat and indifferent.

"Poisonality" examines so-called personality disorders. Psychiatry can't resist using pejorative terms. What we focus on, instead, is the type of behavior that tends to raise eyebrows and cause bystanders to duck for cover.

"Borderline Personality Disorder" is frequently mistaken for bipolar and vice versa. Even the experts are in disagreement. This article acts as a guide through the diagnostic muck.