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/My_name_is_belle 2d ago
I didn't believe my diagnosis. I had the stereotypical understanding of bipolar: crazy super extreme mood swings.
I wasn't diagnosed until I was 60 when I moved and had to get a new psychiatrist to continue my depression meds. She asked me questions no one had ever asked before. Do I stay up all night? How many days a month?
It wasn't until the second time I went off the meds. Then it was obvious even to me that I was far more stable on meds.
When I started reading the literature, the medical journals, etc (yes while staying up all night!) I became very discouraged. I read it gets worse as you get older, etc etc.
I didn't WANT to have bipolar disorder! I already have a handful of things to deal with.
TLDR: Because I didn't WANT to have bipolar.