I know over the years I have doubted my diagnosis. It usually happens when I am stable or hypomanic. But I am much older then you.

I wasn't diagnosed until I was in my early 40's and I am 57 now.
I had a long depressive phase as a teen, but then was free of symptoms until my late 30's. It wasn't until I had a clear cut Manic episode that I received the diagnosis.

I think if you have had a manic episode than you most certainly have bipolar. But over the last couple of years I have read that bipolar is being over diagnosed. I have seen it as an inpatient, it seems everyone gets a bipolar diagnosis. I always wonder how these doctors can diagnosis it when they have only seen the person for 5 days.

I know when you are feeling good it seems weird taking these major psychotropic meds and all their side effects. But if you do have Bipolar sometimes stopping your meds can be disastrous.

On the other hand there are a lot of people on here that control their disorder without prescription meds.