Hi and welcome to PC. My family somewhat understands because mental health issues are so prevalent in my family. I have had mixed results telling people outside of the family. I have lost friends over it but I think it is because I have overwhelmed them telling them too much too soon and they did not understand. I try to be more discerning these days about who I tell. I realize not everybody needs to know. if I am not doing well, I can tell others so they can understand where I am at, otherwise they do not need to know what is going on with me. I function just as well as anybody else when I am doing ok.