To me, the diagnosis of BP II was kind of a relief, since I'd been struggling with what I thought was major depression for about fifteen years. I would go on antidepressants, feel great after a couple of days (yes, DAYS), and go off the meds eventually, only to become depressed again. I realize now that I felt so good because I was probably hypomanic, and I did things that were completely out of character.

However, this doesn't mean that I freely share my diagnosis, because of the stigma associated with it. I'm in a highly competitive field and don't want to be seen as "weak" because of it. I know that's an unfair perception but I think it's still there. I try to remind myself that it's a disease, just like diabetes or cancer, and so it doesn't define me as a person. I think the hardest part of accepting the diagnosis is related to the stigma surrounding it.

It did take me a long time to find a therapist and psychiatrist that I felt comfortable with. I think this is a huge help in accepting a diagnosis. I truly trust them and so I will follow their recommendations regardless of what I might think I should do. Having a therapist and not just a psychiatrist has really been helpful as well.

I wish you the best and hope things go well for you.

BPfroggy