I resisted my diagnosis for 16 years, for various reasons.

I finally accepted my diagnosis, after I had a textbook type 1 manic episode complete with heavy psychotic delusions, and grandiosity to the Nth degree!!!

There was no denying it to myself any more, I was absolutely out of control. It still took awhile to sink in fully after that. Once I began Lamictal, and saw a major improvement, that put the icing on the cake, not only did I have extreme mania, but it was chemical imbalance in my brain...that medication can help. Classic Bipolar, no mistaking it. I finally believe the three psychiatrists that easily and rapidly diagnosed me as a clear-cut case of Bipolar type 1. I wish I had accepted it years ago!