You don't. Most people aren't nearly as intimately acquainted with bipolar as we are, and you're right, they DON'T understand. So what you say is "I'm fine" and move on with your day.
By the way, welcome to PC! I think you'll find the Bipolar forum a sanctuary where understanding is always just a mouse-click away. Almost everyone who posts here either lives with bipolar or cares about someone who does, so there's plenty of support to be found. We're here whenever you need us.
__________________
DX: Bipolar 1
Anxiety
Tardive dyskinesia
Mild cognitive impairment
RX: Celexa 20 mg
Gabapentin 1200 mg
Geodon 40 mg AM, 60 mg PM
Klonopin 0.5 mg PRN
Lamictal 500 mg
Levothyroxine 125 mcg (rx'd for depression)
Trazodone 150 mg
Zyprexa 7.5 mg
Please come visit me @ http://bpnurse.com