I was diagnosed by simply calling for an appointment with a pdoc at the same time a manic episode was starting after a few months long depressive period. A few days later I'm in the office being evaluated in an obviously up state that already had the features and duration of mania. Tada, diag BP1.

Going in was pretty hard, but I still knew the difference between want and need. Good thing as well, as I started to hallucinate a little before the meds really kicked in.

I am thankful she let me go without hospitalization as I hadn't told anyone I was going to see a psychiatrist, but I'm sure it was kinda a close decision. If I'd gone in depressed I'm sure I would have been as I was definitely full up on SI...

So... just luck. lol