20 years ago, my wife would find my anxiety and depression very distressing. (The hypomania was cool). She couldn't understand why I couldn't just pull myself together and not get stressed out by work and life. It was selfish and embarrassing of me to practically cave in at social functions. I was seeing a psychologist, and she would get so angry with me. She would fight and put me in a corner (she had a way with words, and I wasn't nearly as sharp when depressed). Then the fight or flight would kick in for me, and the pain was unbearable - we had a volcanic time early in our marriage.

But now, since my diagnosis (as per your point, Trippin), she has been so supportive - she is my best advocate ever. Education and understanding the issues and dynamics have changed the picture for both of us. But the diagnosis put the "official" stamp on it, and kick-started the change.