I have BP1, and have not been hospitalized. Most of my episodes post treatment are so short nobody who would be in a position to hospitalize me actually gets to see the symptoms. I was worse off before treatment, mixed for months. I put in for disability insurance after being sent home sick, and because I'd never been hospitalized or put on a 72 hour hold I didn't get it. It's my understanding this would be the case for SSD as well. I'm "highly functional" but I get brief episodes so severe they disrupt my home life or could get me fired at work.

I can see your confusion, I share it. I don't doubts my diagnosis, but a lot of people don't see you as mentally ill unless you are living with your parents on SSD.