I had started going to a psychiatrist because of symptoms, at the suggestion of my general practitioner. The general practioner simply stated that my situation was more than he would handle. That psychiatrist had me attend group therapy that he, himself, led. One day he noticed a clear switch to what was at least hypomania. At the end of the group session, he tapped my shoulder and said to stay after for a talk. It was then that he diagnosed me with bipolar disorder and wanted to change my medication. Being hypomanic, I basically told him to buzz off and didn't return for almost two years, when in crisis. He hospitalized me then. My diagnosis was then firmly established as bipolar type 1.

How old were you when first diagnosed with bipolar disorder? What was your initial reaction?