Some of these are good, but some are not... I changed it...

The best way to understand what I'm going through is to educate yourself about my illness. If you need help finding good books or sites about this, ask me to help you. And perhaps join me at my doctor's appointments or therapist so when things aren't going well for me, you can be my support.

Sometimes the best way you can help me is to just listen and not give advice, but let me know you're there to talk to.

Accept when I say I can't, even if I could the day before, then offer to help me when I'm struggling.

Respect my boundaries. If I say I am bothered by having people stand behind me, ask me what you can do to help me and don't tease or judge me on something that might seem stranget to you.

Do not challenge my diagnosis, just because I don't act like somebody's great-aunt who had bipolar. Everybody's symptoms are their own.

I will joke about my disorder. I will make wisecracks about being Froot Loops or taking vacations at the mental hospital. Please don't do so yourself. This is my right, my defense mechanism, that I will allow you to share in time, but only you. Do not joke about it to your friends.

Know that this isn't your fault. This isn't my fault either. I didn't ask for this and can't just flip a switch for happy thoughts. Be there anyway.

Please hold me when I'm scared but don't know why. Don't ask questions -- just be emotionally available to listen.

I may struggle with anger, but that is no reason for me to be verbally abusive. If my anger turns into abuse, you have the right to walk out. No one deserves abuse, and my illness is not an excuse for it.

Please don't expect me to do well every day if I happen to have one or two good days. This is a blessing in itself.

Love me for me. I cannot help it that I am the way I am. I am trying everything I possibly can to make myself feel better. Please do not think less of me.

Finally and most importantly, always remember that I love you. Please love me, for that's the only way we will get through this together. Alone is so much harder.