I don't know why some psychiatrists are so reluctant to advise their patients of their exact diagnoses. Perhaps it is a wish to avoid labelling or to avoid distress for their client. Anyway, after several years of innuendo, finally my psychiatrist put it into writing the diagnosis of PTSD in addition to that of the bipolar.

This means a great deal to me. I feel some vindication. When people suggest I am whining or it's all in my head I can say like hell it is. Also, I have something to back me up when people suggest that because I didn't see combat my military service couldn't have caused PTSD.

And finally, this means I can now apply for military disability benefits.