Hi everyone, this is my first post on this sub, I’m sorry if I haven’t tagged it right, I couldn’t find the flair for undiagnosed. I really tried.

I have recently decided to go private for an assessment for bipolar - it’s been something various therapists have suggested however the NHS always seem so against any kind of diagnosis despite my family history.

I am nervous about speaking on my drug use, I used to have a bit of an issue with ketamine though I haven’t taken it in about a month. I also smoke weed quite a lot. In the past when I have been open about my cannabis use especially, clinicians have completely denied any possibility of bipolar. I have broken down to doctors and told them that I am using these drugs because I can’t cope with my symptoms. The symptoms have been around since long before my drug use and I understand drugs will exacerbate things for bipolar people but I’m just very frustrated and scared.

I want to be taken seriously so I have tried to cut down my usage, but I’m still scared about being honest. Does anyone have any advice or experience relating to this?