I am a very open person, so I am totally open with things that some might be reluctant to talk about. I have no issue mentioning my Bipolar, and 99% of the time I get a positive or neutral reaction. Rarely do I get a negative reaction, and these are from ignorant and rude individuals.

I felt guilt when I was first diagnosed - especially because it was after a major manic episode where I had hurt those around me emotionally. I had paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations, and affected those closest to me in a negative way. Afterwards I felt like I should have been able to "control myself", that I should have "seen it coming". But I eventually came to terms with the fact that I would never have been able to see it coming - I mean, that was basically psychosis! I was literally "out of my mind", so to speak.

Now that I have some experience with this, I can see the warning signs of an upcoming manic episode or depressive episode, and act accordingly. But I have learned to let go of the past and act on the present moment - because that is what truly counts.