I completely accept my bipolar diagnosis. I certainly don't try to hide from it. But it isn't who I AM; it is just something I HAVE to deal with. Personally, I have been much more shaped as a person by my PTSD diagnosis than my bp diagnosis, but no one says "I AM PTSD."

To me, the word "am" functions like an equal sign. I = bipolar? Nah. Not for me. My husband has bipolar disorder also, but like me, he has been far more shaped by his PTSD diagnosis. His medical diagnoses of RSD, diabetes, and severe hypertension actually affect his lifestyle FAR more than his bipolar disorder diagnosis, but he would say he IS RSD, or PTSD, etc. either.

But, which preference people have for "am" or "have" is completely a personal choice. I can respect both ways of thinking.