How did a diagnosis of bi-polar disorder make you feel?

For me the diagnosis has been a positive change: I felt relieved because finally there was an explanation for my behavior which didn't quite match my personality. The terrible things we go through because of bipolar disorder are not what anyone would wish for and it is easy to fall into believing "the disease is me," but fortunately I don't have to blame myself anymore.

I have also learned how to take care of myself and how to prevent future episodes. I have been able to find peer support. All of this wouldn't've happened without the diagnosis.

I think of it this way: The diagnosis is not a label stamped on my forehead. It's just an umbrella term for all the symptoms that I manifest, and which are collectively called bipolar. The diagnosis helps in the prevention of future episodes. It's for my own good so I know how to prepare.

Remember: The disease is NOT you. Never.

You shouldn't be embarrassed. I try to be as open as I can because that is the only way attitudes will ever change: one needs to talk about the reality of being bipolar to make sure people understand we are humans, too. Their attitudes are based on myths and misunderstandings and what not. I encourage you to tell them the truth because it will all be beneficial for you in the end.

You can contact me through my profile if you're interested in peer support, someone to talk to.

I was first diagnosed when I was like 29 and was like NO WAY! I don't have that. So I can relate to the initial diagnosis. Its ok though 13 yrs passed and I became so bad and was diagnosed again. Well this time I accepted it. I don't know if its because I was older or the fact that I finally accepted it. Hun, no one will know unless you tell them. There are so many bi-polar ppl in the world and some famous ones at that. When you feel like talking to people who can relate look on the web for bi-polar chat rooms and groups. Take your meds and always love u for who you are. Bi-polar is not you its just a small part. Good luck!

I was diagnosed with depression a few years ago and I was more irritated than anything. I knew what the problem was and didn't think a label was helping much.

There are stigmas attached to mental illness- bipolar is very common one these days. My boyfriend was also diagnosed with it and has been much more able to deal with his ups and downs because of the help he was able to get due to having a correct diagnosis.

It's not all bad. Feeling like crap is the worst thing of all. What professionals say in the mental health world is not the be all end all. Take your mind and your happiness in to your own hands and forget what everyone else has to say. This can also be a point of strength and growth.

Good luck.

I completely freaked out because I had the same misconceptions that most of the public has.... I thought "I'm not one of those crazy people!!". Eventually I calmed down and realized that I hadn't changed at all with the diagnosis..... it just put another label on me..... like "female", "mother", "stubborn", "bipolar"......... I was still the same me that I have been all along. I learned everything I could about Bipolar and learned about myself in the process. Some in my family treat me badly because of it but I remind myself that i didn't change, only their perception did... they are the ones with the problem. I do not tell people that I am Bipolar. Not because I am embarassed but because of the misconceptions that abound. People don't understand...... I've worked with people for years who have no idea... Whether or not you tell people is up to you.

I am not embarassed by it. I am creative, loving, passionate, full of exhuberance for life, I have done and felt more than most people ever will. Given a choice of me with it or without it...... I'll keep it thank you, I like me just the way I am.