Prepare to read, it's a bit of a long post... I am beginning the process of getting a mental evaluation done to see if I have any mental differences with myself. I don't know how else to say that, I apologize if that sounds offensive.. But I went to the doctors today and had an exam to discuss Bipolar Disorder/Autism. I didn't know how else to start the process, so I started there. The doctor is not able to diagnose things like that due to his line of work, but he was able to refer me out to a psychiatrist and I'm thankful for that. He does feel that the symptoms I experience in my day to day life correlate with that of bipolar disorder. Again, not diagnosed because he's a doctor. Other supporting evidence is every generation (up to great grandma) on my mom's side has Bipolar and I have had severe diagnosed depression/anxiety (which I read are friendly companions with bipolar) for as long as I can remember. The doctor prescribed me an anti-anxiety medication to use as needed for the time being, and SSRIs are no longer recommended for me (I think it interacts with bipolar?). I'm anxious about the starting process and want this to all be done, and I can't help but feel like I'm a burden on all the professionals and people around me... I guess this post is more so as an update for myself and a place to just get my feelings out.. for people who have gone through this or something similar, do you have advice for someone just beginning their journey?