It is difficult for other ppl to understand the depth of our illness and that it IS an illness just like diabetes. I have found many ppl get uncomfortable when I mention anything relating to it. Their lack of knowledge on the subject makes them feel inadequate to constructively react to any given situation. It also doesn't help there are so many "tags" that come with bp. My suggestion is to try and give you family and friends literature about bp and some ideas as how they can effectively help. Not going to say they will except it, but it is worth a try.
Do you have a therapist or pdoc that you see on a regular basis? Are you under any kind of treatment plan? Getting "well" can be a journey, but I am sorry to say there is no cure. I have been doing good and feeling pretty "normal" for around a year now, so yes, you can reclaim at least a part of your life. I may never be the person I was years ago, but in all honesty, who ever is?
You can find understanding and support here amoungust us other bper's. Posting and interacting here on PsychCentral helped through some of my hardest times. So keep posting .