What Perna said.

I also do believe that acting can be beneficial. Trying to focus on what's going on in the external world and minimizing the internal drama is one tool I use to help reframe my thoughts. I also have to function... Like others have said, there's not much choice here. For my career, I can't go around all the time being snappy or acting down. That means faking it so I can do my job well. Either I accept that or I choose a different career. I don't see this as discrimination because it's part of what I consider to be the full requirements of the job.

As for the way I speak to coworkers, friends, and family - sometimes I do say something like 'meh,' when they ask how I am. I don't completely fake it. However, I don't wish to drag others down either. I try to engage pleasantly if I can because I value these people. But most don't need to know when I'm having a major episode - it's a bit too personal. There are those who are close enough that I share these kinds of problems with, but I don't expect those who just casually know me to deal with that side of me. It can take a lot of mental and emotional energy to hear the nitty gritty details of my life and I would feel pretty selfish if I put that on everyone I met. Not to mention unprofessional.