I was wondering how many folks had the same trouble I have. I've been with the same pdoc for almost four years. He is firmly in the camp that I am bipolar 1. He claims to be very conservative when making the diagnosis.

I know I have more than depression. I have terrific mood instability and have had brief mixed episodes and longer episodes that seem more hypomanic compared to what writers on this forum describe as their manic episodes. Never been psychotic, thought I was god, or required the hospital. Nobody else in my family is known to be bipolar and when I have told friends from my past about the diagnosis, they sometimes act surprised.

I have so much trouble believing the diagnosis, it feeds into my med non compliance. How many of you out there live with the diagnosis, perhaps even identify yourself as having it to others, but deep down really not believe it? Do you think it is better to accept something that might not be perfectly true to have peace with yourself, or to rally against it?

Cheers-