I keep my diagnosis close. My family and my children know, in case they have a chance of having the same. Like the risk of diabetes. This runs higher in families, passing it down. I don't want that to be what people "see" in me or define me as. I am open on here, but don't have many friends that I am close enough to share with. Although, if I feel sharing may help another I wouldn't hesitate. People hear depression and most don't bat an eye, but bipolar is often misunderstood by those not educated. I'm not ashamed of having it, but I guess I've adapted a cautious need to know basis in disclosing my Dx of BP1.