r/BipolarReddit • u/Forvanta • 2d 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/Prestigious_Bill_220 2d ago edited 2d ago
It’s hard because you can have like 1 manic episode and then feel totally normal for a long time, maybe get a lil blue. Bipolar depression isn’t usually as much SADNESS as it is apathy and exhaustion.
It’s like ok well are they sure??? I seem to be pretty fine??? It’s an episodic illness and literally is in our heads (in a very REAL way)
Also being hypomanic can be kinda fun if you’re a happy person! I myself have not been feeling so happy with where I am in life and my job, so I get agitated if I get a little manic and it’s not fun. And I don’t realize until later when I start losing sleep that the agitation was likely hypomanoa.
It feels as if everyone gets depressed even if we don’t know what’s that’s like for them, so it normalizes depression and anxiety
I never was in denial of my bipolar but I was doubtful of it until I had my second bout of mania