I basically diagnosed myself, exactly four years ago. My pdoc asked me what made me think I was bipolar, then after I spilled my guts for 90 minutes, he agreed with me and dx'd me with bipolar NOS. Still, I had trouble grasping the fact that I actually had this illness until I received my bipolar 1 dx in the hospital. At that point I could no longer believe I was just "making it up" or that it was a mistake. Now I've been re-diagnosed BP 1 by both my therapist and psych NP, putting an end to any thoughts about having BP 2 instead. My manias are bad but I've never done anything like walk naked down the street or hop on a plane bound for New York. I don't suppose it matters...it's just a number, and bipolar is just a label. One that I'm wearing a little easier with time and effective treatment.