I was diagnosed bipolar 1 in the hospital, and it just kind of followed me through two providers until I started seeing a new pdoc who did a thorough evaluation. He said it was "clearly bipolar 1" so I basically had to accept it at that point. Up until then I'd been able to attribute it to a few mental health professionals who I figured saw bipolar 1 in everybody (which was probably NOT the case). I knew the stigma surrounding this diagnosis and I didn't want it. Now I know it doesn't really matter as long as it's being treated properly.