I completely understand you tnlibrarian. Your post is very timely for me. Last weekend I had a conversation with my brother about whether or not I should tell our parents about my most recent episode and second diagnosis of BP, when I see them at Christmas.

The first time I was ill at 18 - and I'm pretty sure since then - I was not believed. My parents had exactly the same attitude as yours. At least, my mother did. Denial, disbelief, it was me who was 'making it all up' and overreacting, it was just a phase, it was my bf's fault etc. By the 3rd time I was in hospital six years later (for a year - 4 months on the ward, and 8 months day hospital) I refused to speak to her. I ended up believing (and part of me still does) that in fact I am 'making it up'. Which is making it very difficult for me to believe/accept my second diagnosis now (and also the first).

Anyway - I am not going to tell them anything at Christmas. I see no benefit to me and only potential worry (hmm...) for them. I'm not comfortable with concealing it and outright lying, but I've been doing that so far anyway. I have very little real-life support with this - my brother is great but in another country and we don't speak often, and my bf is keeping it at arm's length, doesn't 'get it', and is not the sort I could rely on in a crisis - he'd want to be supportive but is more likely to end up having a crisis himself.

So I agree with dark_heart_x, this is my battle and I better find a way to fight it myself. These days I am closer to, reveal more to and count more on my T and pdoc than anyone else (I don't have friends really).

All of that to say that I fully understand you. Best of luck to you,

BB