I totally understand the struggle with figuring out what parts are "really you". This is something I've been working on with my therapist. He says that although I'm confused about it now it is possible to disentangle the "real" from the "bipolar", and that over time I will see myself more clearly. I've been working with a T for over a year on this so it does take time, but it is slowly helping. One thing I figured out was definitely NOT me is the anger and irritability that I used to have all the time. That's nice to know.

Best of luck with your journey of self-discovery! Having a diagnosis to work with is the first step to recovery .