Quote:
Originally Posted by NicoleHArtz
Hello. Yesterday I was officially diagnosed as bipolar after about 5-6 years of wondering... my moods have been worse than ever, greater irritability and quicker "switching" between moods. I also began to lose a lot of sleep, and I felt my life was beginning to be more and more effected. Yet, even after my suspicions were confirmed by my doctor, I can't help wishing maybe it was a misdiagnosis, that perhaps he was wrong about the diagnosis, and that maybe it's something else, such as my anxiety, causing the issues. I also can't help but wish I hadn't gone to the doctor at all, so I could have my "normal" life back.  Now that the suspicions have been confirmed, the are no longer suspicions... they've become real. I think that's what's scaring me. Is this normal? Should I try to get more professional opinions? I know it's hard to gauge since you guys don't really know me, but I'm wondering if it's common to be diagnosed that you're bipolar if you're not, and what I should do. I don't want to run from the truth but... I'm very lost and confused about everything. |
Hello NicoleHArtz: I may not be the best person to reply to your post because I have never been given a formal diagnosis even though I been treated by multiple psychiatrists & therapists over the years. I guess there's something to be said for that. But, as a result, I've never had occasion to have to deal with receiving: "THE DIAGNOSIS"... I do know though that the reaction you describe is not unusual. Many members, here on PC, have written posts similar to yours.
As far as seeking additional professional opinions goes, my personal view is that if you do this what you will have as a result is however many additional professional opinions you seek; & a bunch of confusion with regard to which one is accurate. Nearly every professional I have seen over the years has had a little different take with regard to what's going on with me. It has been suggested I have major depression and an anxiety disorder, bipolar depression, OCD, etc.
In the end, I think what is important is: do you feel comfortable with the professionals you're seeing. Do you feel confident they have your best interest at heart & are providing you with appropriate treatment? In the end, diagnoses are just labels... ways for service providers to categorize patients & get paid for the work they do. You may feel there is some stigma attached to being given the label: "bipolar". But, really, the bipolar diagnosis isn't necessarily any better or worse than a diagnosis of say: major depression & generalized anxiety disorder, or OCD, or even BPD for that matter. There can be "good" patients, & "difficult" patients in any category. What's important is that you're receiving the care you need from professionals who are sensitive to your needs as an individual. My best wishes to you.
