Hi Charrlee - and welcome to the forums.

Being newly diagnosed for me was both a blessing and.....well...not. It was a relief to finally know what was going on, but then the realization that it was never going to be "cured" was a little hard to take. But that was 13 years ago and I have learned to manage it with medication and therapy for the most part.

I think that others have a difficult time with it sometimes. Like your diagnosis is somehow a reflection on them. If there is someone particularly close to you who you really need as a support, it may be worth it to ask them to come to a pdoc or therapy appt with you sometime and have them hear it from a professional. The pdoc/tdoc may be able to explain it in a way that they can understand and get them to understand that you need their support, not dismissiveness right now.

In times when our families and friends aren't supportive, it helps to come to places like this or to find a person-to-person support group in your area. Try Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance for a local bipolar support group. And hang in there. Give yourself time to adjust to it all. You'll get there.