The Relief of a Bipolar Diagnosis

I was relieved when I figured out I had bipolar disorder. I read a survey in a pamphlet and I said yes to eight of the ten questions. I showed my med provider, but he wasn't comfortable labeling an adolescent as bipolar. I was 16 at the time in the 90s. I eventually got the right diagnosis at 19 and after a few hospitalizations, I got on a good med regimen. Most importantly, I knew I wasn't crazy, that the way I felt and reacted to things had an explanation. From there I was able to develop coping skills, work on mindfulness and get to place where I feel the most stable I've ever felt my entire life. All of that good started with a correct diagnosis and I'm grateful for that.

I almost think that bipolar is a generic label psychiatrists put on people who are having minor or major psychotic breaks. Most people are depressed, but doctors don't care to find out what's really wrong with you. They just want to throw medicine at you. Sorry to be so negative. Being labeled bipolar and experiencing some great mood swings actually helped my depression in a subtle way. And there's no way they can undiagnos you, say you are better and not depressed. You still have to take the medication unless you ask to taper off.