I tell them sooner rather than later, but not TOO soon. The way I look at it - I want them to know other things about me first. Basic things. Before I jump in and say "I'm mentally ill!!!" So I don't tell on the first date or anything. But I don't want to leave it too long either. Because this is me, I am mentally ill. Best to tell them before you fall for them and vice versa. They have to know what they're getting themselves into. If they're gonna be in a relationship with me, it's gonna be apart of their lives too. Im my experience, most people say to me "I can handle it, I really like you" but then once they really see the symptoms do a runner. Everybody is different. Some people are more open than others.