Some people close to us will never understand what it is to be bipolar and that's OK. My family has been generally supportive but we will get people here and there who challenge us. For example, my brother in law thinks I need to "man up" to overcome my bipolar challenges.

Don't be offended - some people just aren't going to get it. I have been very careful who I tell outside of my family. Only one friend knows and he's bipolar too! I know for a fact that most of my other friends will laugh or tell me to "relax" or "drink more beer". That is disappointing to me because keeping it a secret can be damaging too but I'm OK with it. People get caught up in their own lives and instead of reaching out, they lash out.

I probably lived for almost 25 years bipolar and never knew it. I consider knowing a blessing because I can make the changes I need to make to be happier. For me, I discovered that routine is very important. I have an awful job which has no predictability so I know that needs to be changed. Finding a nice comfortable groove will help. I also need to work on getting more sleep - I've averaged 4 or 5 hours a night for probably 15 years or more. My mind still races and I have all sorts of things happening in my life right now but I am just trying to let life come to me.