--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder…" description: "\"I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was barely out of my teens. Like our olive skin tone and caterpillar eyebrows, I guess it just runs in the..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/60a/aj-lee-12237_bipolar-disorder_i-was-diagnosed-with-bipolar-disorder-wh_1905435.jpg" --- # I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was barely… ![“I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was barely out of my teens. Like our olive skin tone and caterpillar eyebrows, I guess it just runs in the family.” quote by AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/60a/aj-lee-12237_bipolar-disorder_i-was-diagnosed-with-bipolar-disorder-wh_1905435.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/60a/aj-lee-12237_bipolar-disorder_i-was-diagnosed-with-bipolar-disorder-wh_1905435.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/60a/aj-lee-12237_bipolar-disorder_i-was-diagnosed-with-bipolar-disorder-wh_1905435.jpg) > “I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was barely out of my teens. Like our olive skin tone and caterpillar eyebrows, I guess it just runs in the family.” [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker links their bipolar disorder to family genetics, using vivid metaphor to describe its inherited nature. **In simple terms:** Bipolar disorder runs in the family, described metaphorically. Key Takeaway Seek support and awareness for mental health. Themes mental health family genetics stigma self‑acceptance Mood empathetic hopeful informative Type personal health When to use this quote - family discussions - therapy - education - self‑care Key Concepts bipolar disorder inheritance personal narrative Questions to Reflect On - How does family history influence your mental health journey? - What strategies help you manage inherited conditions? A Different Perspective Genetics are not destiny; environment also shapes outcomes. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bipolar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bipolar/) [Bipolar disorder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bipolar-disorder/) [Caterpillar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/caterpillar/) [Diagnosed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/diagnosed/) [Diagnosed Bipolar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/diagnosed-bipolar-1076004/) [Disorder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disorder/) [Disorder Barely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disorder-barely-2838223/) [Family](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/family/) [Like](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/like/) [Skin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/skin/) [Skin tone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/skin-tone/) [Tone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tone/) ## Related quotes > [When I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder the year I turned 50, it was certainly a shock. 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He can barely pay attention, but when he does it's unbelievably clear.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-wright/my-nephew-has-hdadhd-high-definition-attention-deficit-disorder-he/) [Steven Wright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-wright/) > [In total, I was diagnosed with depression by eight psychotherapists and psychiatrists over a period of thirteen years. Diagnosed wrong. Absolutely wrong. My accurate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-behrman/in-total-i-was-diagnosed-with-depression-by-eight-psychotherapists/) [Andy Behrman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-behrman/) > [I had been falsely diagnosed with everything from ADHD to bipolar disorder.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-bowen/i-had-been-falsely-diagnosed-with-everything-from-adhd-to-bipolar/) [James Bowen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-bowen/) > [When I taught writing classes to psychiatric patients, I met people whose stories of manic highs and immobilizing lows appeared to be textbook descriptions…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/siri-hustvedt/when-i-taught-writing-classes-to-psychiatric-patients-i-met-people/) [Siri Hustvedt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/siri-hustvedt/) > [I was sober for, like, a year and a half, and I was 25, and I actually did have a manic episode, and I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-harbour/i-was-sober-for-like-a-year-and-a-half-and-i-was-25-and-i-actually/) [David Harbour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-harbour/) > [I was diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder at 19, which I thought would derail my career. 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My diagnosis didn't have to be an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aj-lee/when-i-harnessed-its-seemingly-uncontrollable-might-i-realized/) [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) > [“Caterpillar sheds it's skin to find a butterfly within.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donovan-leitch/caterpillar-sheds-it-s-skin-to-find-a-butterfly-within/) [Donovan Leitch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donovan-leitch/) > [Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cecelia-ahern/just-when-the-caterpillar-thought-the-world-was-over-it-became-a/) [Cecelia Ahern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cecelia-ahern/) > [“The most beautiful of butterflies is nothing but a well-dressed caterpillar.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/corina-abdulahm-negura/the-most-beautiful-of-butterflies-is-nothing-but-a-well-dressed/) [Corina Abdulahm Negura](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/corina-abdulahm-negura/) > [Why is Caterpillar bad if we create a new job in India or China to receive U.S. exports? It makes no sense to me.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/douglas-r-oberhelman/why-is-caterpillar-bad-if-we-create-a-new-job-in-india-or-china-to/) [Douglas R. Oberhelman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/douglas-r-oberhelman/) ## More by AJ Lee > [I want people to know where I come from. I think I have come really far from that, and I did it on my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aj-lee/i-want-people-to-know-where-i-come-from-i-think-i-have-come-really/) [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) > [I'm not the sexy girl. I'm more youthful and innocent, the girl who wears jeans and T-shirts and sneakers. But fans have accepted that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aj-lee/i-m-not-the-sexy-girl-i-m-more-youthful-and-innocent-the-girl-who/) [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) > [From a young age, I felt like I was supposed to be the sort of female who is doing something strong.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aj-lee/from-a-young-age-i-felt-like-i-was-supposed-to-be-the-sort-of-female/) [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) > [To this day, I like the version of movies that don't have the curse words. I'm very reserved that way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aj-lee/to-this-day-i-like-the-version-of-movies-that-don-t-have-the-curse/) [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) > [When I harnessed its seemingly uncontrollable might, I realized bipolar disorder's powers could be used for good. 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I actually stepped on somebody's the other day because they were too clean.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aj-lee/chucks-are-cooler-when-they-re-dirty-i-actually-stepped-on-somebody-s/) [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) > [I think that it's interesting how shows like 'Walking Dead' or even 'Game of Thrones,' with all its fantasy elements, have become so popular.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aj-lee/i-think-that-it-s-interesting-how-shows-like-walking-dead-or-even/) [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) > [I could be anywhere in the country, and people will ask, 'Are you from Jersey?' I'm proud of that. We're a weird breed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aj-lee/i-could-be-anywhere-in-the-country-and-people-will-ask-are-you-from/) [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) > [I'm not interested in being famous. I'm interested in doing my job and doing it well, and that's wrestling, and that's what I love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aj-lee/i-m-not-interested-in-being-famous-i-m-interested-in-doing-my-job-and/) [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) > [It wasn't cool that I didn't comb my hair and had books and wore glasses. It was never cool be a nerd and tomboy,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aj-lee/it-wasn-t-cool-that-i-didn-t-comb-my-hair-and-had-books-and-wore/) [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) > [It's funny because I remember playing 'Grand Turismo,' and I would get yelled at by my brother for moving the controller as if it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aj-lee/it-s-funny-because-i-remember-playing-grand-turismo-and-i-would-get/) [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) > [This is over 10 years in the making for me and just a dream come true. I'm the luckiest person in the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aj-lee/this-is-over-10-years-in-the-making-for-me-and-just-a-dream-come-true/) [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) > [I have a very distinct memory of 'ExciteBike' and making my own courses. I had an obsession with that game.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aj-lee/i-have-a-very-distinct-memory-of-excitebike-and-making-my-own-courses/) [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) > [I'm not the coolest person in the world. I'm not the sexiest Diva or the strongest Diva. I know who I am. I'm not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aj-lee/i-m-not-the-coolest-person-in-the-world-i-m-not-the-sexiest-diva-or/) [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) [Explore all 55 AJ Lee quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) ## More Bipolar quotes > [Sometimes labeling is only useful, like with OCD. Once you're labeled you can be treated. On other occasions labeling leads to tyranny, like with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jon-ronson/sometimes-labeling-is-only-useful-like-with-ocd-once-you-re-labeled/) [Jon Ronson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jon-ronson/) > [Society takes what it wants. The artist himself does not count, because there is no actual existence for the work of art. The work…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcel-duchamp/society-takes-what-it-wants-the-artist-himself-does-not-count-because/) [Marcel Duchamp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcel-duchamp/) > [It's more common than not that bipolar illness will start in the teens. One of the reasons I spend a lot of time on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kay-redfield-jamison/it-s-more-common-than-not-that-bipolar-illness-will-start-in-the/) [Kay Redfield Jamison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kay-redfield-jamison/) > [Every seventeen minutes in America, someone commits suicide. Mostly, I have been impressed by how little value our society puts on saving the lives…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kay-redfield-jamison/every-seventeen-minutes-in-america-someone-commits-suicide-mostly-i/) [Kay Redfield Jamison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kay-redfield-jamison/) > [Madness is to think of too many things in succession too fast, or of one thing too exclusively.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/voltaire/madness-is-to-think-of-too-many-things-in-succession-too-fast-or-of/) [Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/voltaire/) > [Flippin up my phone, touch screen motorola. They figured I was bipolar the way I sipped that syrup and soda.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/riff-raff/flippin-up-my-phone-touch-screen-motorola-they-figured-i-was-bipolar/) [Riff Raff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/riff-raff/) > [“Creativity is closely associated with bipolar disorder. This condition is unique . Many famous historical figures and artists have had this. Yet they have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/preeti-shenoy/creativity-is-closely-associated-with-bipolar-disorder-this-condition/) [Preeti Shenoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/preeti-shenoy/) > [Ordinarily he was insane, but he had lucid moments when he was merely stupid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/heinrich-heine/ordinarily-he-was-insane-but-he-had-lucid-moments-when-he-was-merely/) [Heinrich Heine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/heinrich-heine/) > [I was hoping that I could say stuff about mental illness that maybe people didn't know. You know, speak up for bipolar disorder and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-millegan/i-was-hoping-that-i-could-say-stuff-about-mental-illness-that-maybe/) [Eric Millegan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-millegan/) > [I have never gone for a diagnosis and I don't consider myself to be bipolar, but I have extreme moods. I get heightened. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/caroline-quentin/i-have-never-gone-for-a-diagnosis-and-i-don-t-consider-myself-to-be/) [Caroline Quentin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/caroline-quentin/) > [When you're depressed, you know, it's like the world has ended. Even getting out of bed takes the most massive amount of effort. But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherman-alexie/when-you-re-depressed-you-know-it-s-like-the-world-has-ended-even/) [Sherman Alexie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherman-alexie/) > [“I thought I would inaugurate a Bipolar Pride Day. You know, with floats and parades and stuff! 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Back…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-lovelace/in-our-family-whim-wham-is-code-a-defanged-reference-to-any-number-of/) [David Lovelace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-lovelace/) [Browse all 373 Bipolar quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bipolar/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was barely out of my teens. 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