Ive got an issue coz im diagnosed as bipolar because of many, many long episodes of depression recurring multiple times a year plus what can be described as dysphoric mania plus some hypomania.

Ive told my pdoc what happens in all my episodes but hes never ever seen me when Im anything but depressed or slightly hypomanic so im wondering how on earth can they diagnose me with bipolar? 2 different pdocs have said the same thing.

I dont have mania regularly - i usually just cycle between long periods of severe depression and some hypomania. The dysphoric mania happens maybe 1-2x a year. When Im manic tho i dont show up to appointments or even think about going to see a doctor.

How do I know if its really mania or if its just something else? i dont want to be put on these powerful drugs for nothing and seeing as no doctor has seen me manic how do i know theyre right?