I thought I knew what bipolar meant, but I really didn't. That interfered with me getting help. I had a manic event triggered by diet pills a long time ago, but only recognized that I was typically depressed. So I resisted getting any treatment. Many years later, i had another also triggered by a prescription. Fortunately, this time I had since read about hypomania and recognized it and at least had a doctor in place--mostly due to anxiety I think.