I'm fairly high functioning. I earned a bachelor's and master's degree from a top engineering school, and my master's degree was free because I earned a full scholarship. I now have a full-time job at a highly reputable software company.

I wasn't even diagnosed as bipolar until *after* I graduated with my master's (which is actually unfortunate because it cost me my first job). So, I can technically function without meds, but it's just very difficult for me. (Like I said, it cost me my first job. I also got into fights with people in my research lab in grad school, angering everybody including my own professor. Even my grades suffered when I was depressed and couldn't concentrate.)

But yes, I know what you mean about your doctor thinking you're not bipolar. My first therapist didn't believe I was bipolar either, even though I was diagnosed with it by a psychiatrist at the same office. She kept telling me all my symptoms were "ADHD", and she didn't believe that I suffered from depression at all. She even said to me, "No... I don't see you getting depressed at all. I don't think you've experienced depression," which was total BS because I've experienced suicidal ideation since I was 11 or 12. She also said, "No, you're not bipolar because you don't brag. I don't see you bragging about anything." (I don't know where she came up with that!)

I used to debate whether or not I was bipolar because my therapist was skeptical, as was my psychiatrist at first. I knew that my therapist was being ridiculous, but at the time, I believed her. But recently (5 days ago), I've been in an "angry" hypomanic state (although some say it's technically "dysphoric mania"), whereby I've been acting like a total jack*ss, spending excessive amounts of money, and driving recklessly despite being highly productive at work and full of energy. I also reacted badly to antidepressants, as many other bipolar people here experience.