I am actually going through a very similar situation right now. I denied my bipolar diagnosis until I went into my first manic episode. During that time, I would get extremely agitated when people would criticize me in any way. Even constructive criticism pissed me off, when normally I am reasonable about things like this.

I didn't know that I wasn't in the right state of mind at the time, so I would blow people off over minor affairs. I get extremely arrogant when manic and think I am better than anyone else. Most notably, I dumped my best friend of 5 years at the beginning of my manic episode. I said very nasty things to her such as telling her she was full of ****, a spoiled brat, and a slut. I then blocked her on Facebook, deleted her from my phone and we haven't talked since.

After finals, I am planning on writing her a apology note and disclosing my diagnosis to her. Basically, I am to tell her the reason for my erratic behavior. I am not going to play the role of a victim, however. The take home message will be that although I am responsible for my own actions, my diagnosis explains my hostility. It doesn't excuse my behavior, but it does explain it. I will tell her that I don't expect her to forgive me, but I am open to communicating again if she feels like it. Hopefully she will forgive me, fingers crossed.

I wish you luck in mending your relationships with people. To those who you don't feel comfortable disclosing your diagnosis, I would just tell them that you had medical problems which are now under control, but you had no time to socialize because you needed to concentrate on getting better. I wish you luck in mending your relationships. You are not alone.