I was tentatively diagnosed BP when I was 16 and put on Depakote (stopped after a week or so). I am now 30 and have been continually, tentatively diagnosed by who knows how many doctors. I still don't fully accept it. And I don't think it's because I'm really ill but in denial. I think it's because I don't have a really clear-cut case - I've never had full-blown mania, no hospitalizations or suicide attempts, no totally destructive episodes etc. - and I'm highly functional (just finished my phd, am in a stable relationship, etc.). I can see why I would be diagnosed BP (2), but when I compare myself to others who have it I just feel like I/my doctors are overreacting. Then again, I know that something isn't right...I know it's not 'normal' to have random episodes of suicidal depression and constant ups and downs...