Hi there.
I just feel like writing on here as I'm currently going through a really difficult time. I am not working cos I'm not well enough to work and I have been trying to focus on dealing with mental health issues. But, i am having trouble getting people to take me seriously and to feel supported. A lot of ppl tend to judge me and criticise me instead of trying to listen, understand what going through and respond well to my needs.

I have been troubled by a mental illness for some years which I have really struggled to cope with. I know that I have suffered from severe debilitating depression a lot of the time but I also recognise manic episodes too and mixed states, meaning that I feel i have Bipolar Disorder and I took a few tests that showed high possibility of this but It is really difficult getting an actual thorough clear diagnosis by a mental health professional and feel im mainly the only one who has a good ideas of what kind of illness i have and ppl ignore /play down/twist things i say.

If i have a strong awareness of my circumstances and if ppl are making me feel worse than better by not treating me well and not taking me seriously, Is it possible for me to learn to manage Bipolar Disorder without professional medical help and support from others? Or is it a case of seeking private help, seeing a private psychiatrist and psycotherapist if nhs isnt working for me?The issue with going private is Im currently really low on money, Im in bank overdraft.