No, biplol, I don't think you're lying at all...there's no rule that says everyone needs to know everything about your business. With the stigma that is attached to bipolar it is really necessary to limit who you tell on a "need-to-know" basis.

I don't think the people you work with need to know unless you want them to...if your condition is having a serious impact on your job performance you might consider telling your employer, but probably not even then. According to privacy law, even if you're sick and out for a while, all they need to have is a doctor's note saying you're too sick to work. Now, if you can trust your employer and feel that they will stand with you, it can be really helpful for them to know...but only you can make that call. As for your co-workers, remember that when you are feeling bad may not be the best time to try and judge what they are thinking...I know that when I feel bad I'm not even clear about what I am thinking, much less anyone else. But if someone asks, just tell them you're not feeling well, and leave it at that.

Friends--if it's someone you trust and feel like sharing with, then do it...

As for your family, they already know, so it's a matter of whether you can talk to them rationally or not...and whether they can talk to you without trying to "fix" you rather than talking with you to hear your thoughts and feelings without judgement. If they can't do that, then it's probably best to go chill for a while if you can...

I know how difficult all this is...I've been through it as a patient as well as a spouse (talk about a PARTY )...I hope you can work things out...living with bipolar can be extremely difficult even with great support, so choose your support system carefully. speaking of which, if you are not in a bipolar support group, I would strongly encourage you to find one. Look at www.DBSAlliance.org and www.nami.org to find a group near you...I couldn't make it without my group!

Wishing you the best,
DJ