Quote:
Originally Posted by Nightside of Eden
Unless they're people you're really close with or people who are exceptionally educated on the issue (like a bunch of psych majors), I'd avoid using the word "bipolar" when you talk to them. There are still a lot of very negative associations with that word among the general public and people tend to assume you'll engage in a lot of crazy behaviors which you probably won't. I'd tell them something vague, like that you have mood issues or depression issues, and then ask for what you need from them (time to yourself or whatever). If some of them are really supportive or ask more questions, then you could tell them more details, but by being vague you get to ask them for what you need without volunteering too much information or making them too uncomfortable.
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I usually follow that plan, only telling people when I know that they will be there to support me, but my environment is just not conducive to that approach at the moment as I've temporarily moved away from my main support system. My biggest issue is that when I tell people about it, I sometimes forget that they wont see it the way that I do, and that may make them uncomfortable. I told one of them about it a couple of weeks ago, and I just feel like it ruined our relationship. It's adding so much more stress to the environment, but I feel like I can't even say when I'm really upset because I don't want to ruin his experience here. I'm so stressed out.