I've told three friends so far - two were very accepting and nothing has changed in those relationships. They will ask how I'm adjusting to new medications, or ask if I want to talk about anything, but there's no pressure, no judgement, just genuine caring. They're fine if I don't want to talk about it and fine if I do. The other friend...she kinda thinks she knows everything, and doubted my diagnosis because I don't fit what she thinks a person with bipolar should act like. I hide things incredibly well...even my therapist has commented on it. So, the doubt hurt, and then I felt defensive and like I had to justify myself...not a good situation.

I expect that telling my mother (and possibly my father) will be more like the friend that doubted me than like the friends that just accepted what I was telling them. That doubt will probably also be coupled with guilt trips, drama from my Mom, and then smothering from her and constant attempts at monitoring my life. At the same time, I really hate having to constantly censor myself in conversations with my parents, and I do see how my T could think that opening up the topic could help me set boundaries with them.

It's just such a tough decision for me!!!