It took me awhile to accept my diagnosis, even though I had long suspected I was bipolar and indeed have had symptoms since I was very young. While the dx explained my moods and behaviors, it was still difficult to allow myself to be labeled.....I didn't want to be a "psych patient" or considered to be mentally ill. But I can deny it until the cows come home, and the truth is I live with a mental illness that has to be managed every day. And that's OK.