The worst part about this is that I can't get diagnosed for either because theres too much overlap
Yep. I'm even diagnosed with depression and doctors still deny it. Nothing like being told "You're not depressed, you just need to exercise" when you are a lifeguard with mandatory fitness requirements if you want to keep your job.
Holy shit. I already knew that I'm not the only person to go through that, but it feels crazy seeing someone else write it.
I'm actually in the process of being tested for bipolar, my doctor wants to rule out every other option first. I respect that, but I need to try to find a better way to remember to actually set up those tests, especially after seeing this post. Thank you for reminding me.
No problem! Medications are way better than they used to be. Lamotrigine is fantastic and I don't get any fucked up side effects or feel like a different person. If some insane doctor tries to put you on lithium, run away. Medications like Celexa will make you manic. I know it is hard to make those phone calls and appointments to your doctor, or even worse, having to find one, but it is the one thing you need to force yourself to do.
Couple suggestions:
Don't forget that while both feed the fire, they also have an infinite cycle behind eachother throwing gas in a jenga.