I don't talk about my bipolar except with my family and a few very close friends. I try not to use it as an excuse, but it can be hard, especially when I swing from being extremely depressed to manic (which can happen fast). I'm lucky to have a VERY understanding & caring family. They tend to know when my actions are related to bipolar or if it's just me being me.

A lot of it has to do with self-control. I know my limits. I stick to my meds & see my therapist every week.

If I do something stupid while I'm manic, like at work (which has happened a lot), then I just apologize and try to take a deep breath and control myself better. But I don't say: "I'm bipolar, I can't help it."