Hi everyone,

I am a college freshman who has dealt with mental health issues for many years, but only recently sought treatment due to an increase in symptom severity and associated level of life difficulty. I have seen a therapist since February, and also have had a psychiatric consultation. The consultation resulted in my being provisionally diagnosed with bipolar II.

The psychiatrist did not want to start me on meds now, since finals are so close and dealing with potential side effects would be stressful and cause more harm than good. She did insist, however, that I find another pdoc at home this summer, to get a second opinion and to start treatment.

My parents know next to nothing about my mental health struggle, but I do not want to hide from them any longer. I feel that their support would be very helpful in my recovery, while sneaking around to get treatment would be detrimental.

The only problem is that my parents will likely have one of two undesirable, extreme reactions:

1. They will think that I am exaggerating my symptoms or lying about my pain.

2. They will believe me, but fail to understand that BP is manageable. They will react with panic, and smother me with unneeded attention and concern.

I plan to read a few entries from my mood journal (*so scared*) to combat response # 1, and to really stress the possibility of living a full life with bipolar to fight response #2.

Does anyone have any other advice/suggestions? How did you all inform your families about your disorder? Thanks!