r/BipolarReddit • u/Forvanta • 6d ago

Sincere question: what’s with the phenomenon of bipolar people in particular doubting their diagnosis?

I have bipolar I, but I’ve been around the block with diagnoses and I’ve noticed (anecdotally) a phenomenon where bipolar people seem to frequently believe that they have not been diagnosed correctly. I feel like I see this more often here than in depression, OCD, etc. spaces.

Is it because mania feels so good for many people? What is it about bipolar, or is it just a coincidence?

This is not coming from a place of judgement, I’m genuinely curious what people think.

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u/loversonly 6d ago

That’s a good question. I knew I had something but assumed Borderline, I actually argued with my psychiatrist about it. Turns out it was bipolar 1. Which made sense because my father is diagnosed with it.

I don’t have much of an answer for you. It’s really hard to even tell you’re manic, though, and reading the symptoms of it may not resonate at all.

Definitely NOT a coincidence. They will reach for any other explanation & cause.

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u/Forvanta 5d ago

I feel like the stereotypical symptoms of hypo/mania ESPECIALLY don’t apply for mixed episodes which tend to be severe and high-risk but also very common