I was dx when I was 17, was put on Prozac. Started hallucinating very badly, I already had psychotic symtoms prior to this. So I stopped taking the meds. I told myself I was fine. Through the years I had very obvious episodes and bouts of psychosis.

When I was in collage a second time I was manic for almost an entire year, had amazing grades tho so no problem right. After I finished school I hit a major depressive phase, a very scary one, went to see the dr finally after my close friend and sister couldn't stand watching any further. I was sent to a pdoc and again dx with bipolar 1. I was 27 then.

So yes, I was in denial for a whole decade. Sometimes I still struggle with acceptance. And I think I always will.