I don't tell anyone outside parents, siblings (including best friends), grandma, immediate in-laws and my sons best friends parents.

Why do they get to know:

* Each of those people have seen me take medication
* Have seen me at my worst on both sides
* warn people how prevalent mental health is in our families
* inlaws also: care for my son when things get bad
* Best friend: Has medical control of me and my husband if both of us are in crises
* son's friend parent: cares for son in short-term situations also has bipolar
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My inlaws were very understanding and not surprised (not BIL)
Best Friend: was nervous that he couldn't handle the situation
My family:
Dad: very upset I'm medicated & feels everyone that walks into pdoc gets that dx
Mom: starting to understand
sister 1: I shouldn't be allowed to raise my child, BP Dx makes a horrible parent. She's Dx. with it to
Grandma: Got help for her MI
Sister 2: jokes she's the only on un-dx'd but only because she refuses to go to pdoc (she says this)
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If anyone else asks I'll tell them with a variation of spoon theory most of my friends have known me over 12 yrs. they've sat there watching, wondering when to call the cops and knew they could be at my funeral any week. So answers were welcomed. At times I am asked if I'm sick again. They tell me I need therapy at my darkest (I usually remind them I'm in therapy and look how well it's doing) and keep me safe at my highest. I've had a good response but only because I am very selective. I also have a physical disability, small and light so I'm less threatening. I'm very conscious of the stigma.
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My husband has had a completely different response outside his intimidate family. He's persevered as angry, lazy and dangerous but he tells everyone , is 6'3 and over 300 lbs. His had seen to many suicides that he wants everyone to know there's hope no matter what. The funny thing is out of both of us I'm the dangerous one.