Are your parents unaccepting of MI diagnoses and treatment? Is that why you're afraid to tell them? And, I don't know how old you are, but you don't HAVE to tell them if you think they won't be supportive....

I was recently (a month ago) diagnosed bipolar after years (like 20) of being treated for depression and GAD by my GPs. I had never seen a psych doc, just took their diagnosis and antidepressants. Nine months ago I started dating a guy who is, himself, bipolar and has PTSD. I started reading a lot of books and articles to learn how to better support him and help him with the course of bipolar. A couple months ago, he told me he really thought I should get my meds checked..... by a psych. So I went in, and sure enough, bipolar. I almost laughed. It actually all made sense to me then. I was probably misdiagnosed for 20 years. But I didn't press the issue b/c my exdh thought MI diagnoses were "baloney" and was not supportive AT ALL.

I feel relieved to have a "name" for my mood swings and meltdowns. And I'm relieved to be on the right meds.... And I'm most relieved to have the support of a loving partner now.

No need to worry unnecessarily before you know. But if bipolar is the diagnosis, it doesn't change who you are. It just changes the meds you need.

(hugs)