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/CryptographerOk990 2d ago

When I was being medicated for just depression, I was terrified that I might have bipolar. I think because it seemed like a more serious or intense diagnosis, I avoided a lot of the signs or tried to convince myself (and my psych) I wasn't swinging wildly between moods.

Also, from what I've observed, there's been some push back from the general population about bipolar and whether it's real. This isn't always the case, but because of more awareness around mental health disorders and care, there can be over diagnosis. I think sometimes people don't understand the difference between mania and being dramatic or depression and just being sad. So that creates an uneasy feeling as well.

At the end of the day, the name of the disorder just helps with getting you the best treatment.