Ive been newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder and I am so scared and overwhelmed by the diagnosis. I was previously diagnosed with boderline personality disorder and traits of bipolar. But now Ive been rediagnosed with full blown bipolar.

I wasnt expecting it and now I guess I feel like Ive been giving a life sentence. I know enough about bipolar to know that it doesnt go away in a year or even ten years but youre kinda stuck with it for life and now I guess I have to adjust to the idea that I have a life long illness. I dont want to be sick, thats my biggest fear, but deep down I know I am sick. Everyone is telling me dont become your illness, its just a name.

But for me it feels so much more than a name. I guess Im just havin alot of different emotions and not really sure how to process it. Can anyone help me out?