good for you ranger. You're mom is basically right that psychiatrists are pill pushers...... because patients with mental illness need pills. There's no surgey to fix the problem. If you're struggling with bipolar disorder or any other mental illness, you absolutely should see a specialist. You're an adult and it's your choice, though I understand what it is to not have supportive parents. Good for you for wanting to talk to them. I hope it goes well for you. Take care and please get the help you need. Waiting to get help only makes it more painful for you.