I really disagree with a lot of what you are saying.

Being depressed, hopeless, suicidal, irritable, agitated, is the illness, NOT me. When I am on (proper) medication, I am none of these. I am interested in life and other people, I feel better about who I am, I am able to recognize and enjoy the good things in life. That is the real me.

I don't know if this is your intention, but your first post in this thread feels really judgmental to me. Sort of, "I don't need meds or diagnosis. Why do all you sheep buy into these things?". If you can live a good life without diagnosis or meds, great. But that is your journey not mine. Diagnosis and proper meds have been empowering to me. That is my journey and there is nothing wrong with that.

EJ