I was first diagnosed as a teenager so my family knew and I was such a mess that everyone I knew was aware of it. My mom had me on prayer lists all over the country and even in Israel so there was little hiding it. I have told numerous therapists. When I became drastically better, everyone believed that the bipolar was at bay. When I had my psychotic break 3 1/2 years ago, there was no denying it to my mom and husband. I told my brother and sister and their spouses. My sister's lack of privacy has probably told many people . It's okay though because none of them know me and she does everything she does to help me.

Anyway, I let my best friend read all of the bizarre writings I had from when I was psychotic so she knew the exhaustive truth even before I went to a psychiatrist. She in fact encouraged me to get help because she was scared for both my family and me. I also eventually told my other 2 close friends. Outside of that, I am not "out" but I do post a lot of material on facebook about mental illness, especially bipolar so I'm sure folks have their assumptions. I would probably out myself entirely if it weren't for the better judgement of my mother. I would love to help break the stigma.