I had that initial reaction as well...it's scary, but at the same time there was a small sigh of relief. I finally had a name for it (I was originally diagnosed with major depression). I'm one of those people who need a name for things... I have to research it, learn all I can, and try to understand it as best as I can. It's just the way I cope.

If you don't mind me asking- are you Bipolar I or Bipolar II? If you have any questions, or need advice or even a gentle hug, please feel free to PM me.