Can a person with bipolar lead a nearly normal ...

With proper treatment and medications, yes, it's is entirely possible. 

I'm 32 and was diagnosed with a severe form of bipolar disorder 9 years ago. I take medication and see my psychiatrist monthly and my therapist weekly. Although I have had to make some sacrifices, like allowing my 9 yr old to live with his Dad and stepmom and only stay with me on weekends, holidays, etc.  and moving back in with my parents, I live a very good life. I am training to run a mini-marathon. I have good friends who understand my illness and accept me as I am. I correct people who say "Are you Bipolar?" because I am not Bipolar.  I HAVE Bipolar disorder. I AM just Becki. And when someone meets me, there is no way they can tell there is anything wrong with me at all.

" I correct people who say "Are you Bipolar?" because I am not Bipolar.  I HAVE Bipolar disorder. I AM just Becki."

Amen Becki, Tell 'em and KEEP telling them! 

I'm diabetic, this means I also frequently deal with depression. I hear it all the time. "maybe if you do THIS, you'll feel better" as though it's just a matter of being in a bad mood. I am not "depressive" I suffer from depression and, like you, with proper treatment and medications 95% of my life is exactly as it always was. 

People need to stop treating mental illnesses as though they were a character flaw and start treating them as straight medical issues. 

Definitely..in fact a close family member has schizophrenia which most would consider the most severe of mental disorders.He is on medication ,now married ,and helping her to raise her children,and is the most "sane" ,wonderful man or woman I know.People who are stressed out or in trouble frequently go to him for help.It is a joy to see as he was once homeless from his disease.Getting on the right meds or combination of meds..having a healthy lifestyle is very important.

Have you taken any professional help? If not, then do it right away. It is certainly more complex than you think it is.  Check bipolar disorder treatment optons online. You can even call  the toll free number 800-714-8354 and talk to counselors about your problems. All the best!

Ofcourse yes, if the person under goes proper bipolar disorder treatment she can recover completely and live life normally.