I was in denial for 13 years!!! Refused meds, refused to see a Pdoc, refused therapy.
Finally, I had a manic episode so severe that it fit the textbook definition of mania, the most extreme form of mania there is. I had 3 pdocs diagnose me with bipolar type 1 after that. Kind of difficult to deny my mania, since I stopped sleeping, thought I was god, had to be put in a straight jacket and hospitalized!!!
I still refused meds for several years after that.
Finally I was in an unbearable mixed episode, and decided to hire a Pdoc and get medicated. Best decision ever was to accept my diagnosis and get help.