I am new here but I may be able to help...I was diagnosed bipolar at the age of 17 and I didn't want to accept the diagnosis either. I don't want to be negative in any way but me personally has taken years to learn my signs and symptoms...when to walk away and calm down. I now have a 16 year old who was just diagnosed with schizo effective disorder (a mix between schizophrenia and bipolar). I was just devastated because I truly don't want him to have to deal with what I have lived with. The only positive part is that I understand what he is going through and can help talk him through what all is going on in his head. The best way that I can describe it is that I feel like I am in a room screaming as loud as I can and no one hears me....and I want to say I love you don't leave me but what comes out is just hatred...If at anytime I can be of help or answer questions please let me know...I hate to hear of anyone suffering from this