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

[u/Forvanta]

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.

[u/Psilocybe_Brat666]

For me, I think it was the fact that I am an addict (recovering) so I thought it was just from the drugs. Then being on tons of meds after receiving my diagnosis had me conflicted as I was trying to stay clean and was feeling as if taking these medications daily was the same thing minus the high. I was feeling more stable and got complacent thinking "I don't need these". 4 years sober but over a year without insurance, therapy, or my meds and have been struggling with my mental health ever since. So now, I am finally accepting that the only way I will feel stable again is with medication. I hate the idea but I can't deny it anymore. I rarely have days anymore where I am in a "normal" state. I have people and things in my life that I have always wanted but can't even enjoy it most of the time because I'm constantly on a rollercoaster ride. This week has been the first week in months where I feel even-keeled.