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Getting an unexpected medical diagnosis can be hard, no matter the diagnosis. Of course with the internet and the ease of self-diagnosis, getting an actual professional diagnosis can also sometimes be a relief.
It’s trickier when it comes to mental health. I’ve had friends experience tremendous relief at adult ADHD diagnoses, because finally they feel validated for their struggles.
A Bipolar diagnosis could be a little like that. It’s big and scary, but for some people it’s also finally an answer.
Bipolar disorder, which used to be more commonly known as manic depression, often finally gets diagnosed in a person’s mid-20s though symptoms can develop much younger.
It can have a genetic component, and affects about 1% of the population (2.3 million people in the U.S.).
Like many diagnoses, bipolar disorder is not always an easy one to accept, as these 12 patients can attest.
1. It’s confusing, especially when it’s a contradiction
If you spend your whole life thinking you understand yourself, a new diagnosis can come out of the blue.
![I was diagnosed with ADHD and OCD when I was younger but now I'm being told it's actually bipolar. I feel more confused than I ever have in my life.](https://didyouknowfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bipolar-misdiagnosed.jpg)
Image credit: Whisper
2. There’s a fine line between moody and mood disorder
But honestly this feels like a pretty healthy way of dealing with it.
![Always thought my moods were just in the stars, then I got diagnosed bipolar lol. #geminiprobs](https://didyouknowfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bipolar-gemeni.jpg)
Image credit: Whisper
3. Even for tough military types, it can be scary
It doesn’t help that there’s such misunderstanding and stigma around it.
![I'm an Army veteran. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 2 on Tuesday. Finally having a clearer diagnosis and a name for what is happening is more frightening than I imagined it could be.](https://didyouknowfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bipolar-frightening.jpg)
Image credit: Whisper
4. It can also be hard to accept
Honestly, it’s just a lot to take in.
![I was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Still in denial.](https://didyouknowfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bipolar-denial.jpg)
Image credit: Whisper
5. Even though it’s scary, it can explain a lot
Hopefully there’s at least some comfort in that.
![Was just diagnosed with Bipolar 2 and don't know how to manage the moods. For years I've just had the diagnosis of general anxiety/depression. Bipolar makes sense though in hindsight.](https://didyouknowfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bipolar-hindsight.jpg)
Image credit: Whisper
6. Facing your own prejudices can be hard
Especially when you know how widely held they might be.
![I've found out this year that I am bipolar. I don't like telling people because I know the stigma I had placed on it prior to my diagnosis.](https://didyouknowfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bipolar-stigma.jpg)
Image credit: Whisper
7. That stigma can even affect your relationships
What awful feelings to have to deal with, on top of everything.
![It's so hard for me to accept that my husband loves me and wants to be by my side after a bipolar diagnosis, when I hate myself because of it. I'm not even sure how to let him love me unconditionally.](https://didyouknowfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bipolar-love.jpg)
Image credit: Whisper
8. There was a time when depression was stigmatized
So maybe if we keep talking about it, bipolar will become more accepted too.
![My new psychiatrist diagnosed me as bipolar type 2 with PTSD. Somehow I felt better with a diagnosis of depression and generalized anxiety.](https://didyouknowfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bipolar-betterdiag.jpg)
Image credit: Whisper
9. It can affect people from a young age
But at least that gives them time for a positive outcome.
![I attempted suicide when I was 17. I took a bottle of pills. I somehow woke up the next morning. I don't know what saved me that night. It did push me to seek professional help. Bipolar type II diagnosis.](https://didyouknowfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bipolar-17.jpg)
Image credit: Whisper
10. Other times, either the symptoms or diagnosis come later
And that can leave you with a lot of mixed feelings.
![I was just diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 29. Feels like my parents should have been on top of that.](https://didyouknowfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bipolar-29.jpg)
Image credit: Whisper
11. It can be a relief to have an accurate diagnosis
Leaving you feeling hopeful for the first time in a long time.
![I was diagnosed with rapid cycling bipolar disorder and I'm feeling hopeful about continuing treatment, now that I have an accurate diagnosis.](https://didyouknowfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bipolar-optimistic.jpg)
Image credit: Whisper
12. And it’s good when you can accept and embrace it
What a healthy, positive outlook. We should normalize this.
![I'm bipolar. I'm not ashamed of my diagnosis. Instead I embrace it in hopes of educating or helping others. Breaking the stigma any way I can.](https://didyouknowfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bipolar-embrace.jpg)
Image credit: Whisper
Honestly, this last post sums it up. People are afraid of what they don’t understand.
But the more we talk about it, the more people speak their truths, the better off the world will be.
Do you struggle with a condition that has a stigma attached? How do you deal with it? Share your strategies in the comments.