I am finding myself more open about my diagnosis these days. The people around me have shown themselves to be very supportive and curious (a good sort of curious) about what I go through. They have asked me really good questions about my bipolar disorder, not out of morbid curiousity, but because they truly have a desire to become more knowledgeable about the disorder.

Do I use my diagnosis to my benefit? No, I can't say I do. In fact, if anything, I err on the side of not asking for what I really need. My employers and friends have encouraged me not to do that in the future. My principal said "Don't EVER put this job before your mental health. We'll figure out how to handle things if you have to be gone."