Interesting question. What would "coming out" look like? I tell people on a need to know basis. So, there is no "coming out" story for me. Most things medical are on a need to know basis. This is no different since mental illness is on par with physical illness.

People ask me why I don't drink. I don't say "I'm bipolar and alcohol is something that causes me to become unstable." If I am so inclined I tell them that I can't mix alcohol with my current medication. Which is true. Most people don't ask about my current medication. So, no need to disclose. There is such a thing as too much information.

Now, do I not disclose because I am ashamed about the disorder? No. I am not ashamed. It's just nobody's business. Am I afraid that people will react negatively? I could wear my diagnosis on my sleeve or take out a notice in the local paper. That would get all kinds of attention both the right kind and the wrong kind. I would have to do a lot of educating about the disorder and frankly, I don't think I have the energy. Also, I don't really want to hear "I would never have guessed it."

Of course my husband and kids know I have bipolar disorder. I think one or two of my kids' friends might know because my daughter needed to talk to somebody about it or they saw a book about it around the house. I don't think my extended family knows. They do know I suffer from seasonal depression because my brother does as well and we compared notes.

Everybody's story is different in part because of the way the disorder presents. I am almost never hypomanic and have never been psychotic and don't leave the house when I am depressed. So, nobody really interacts with me when I am symptomatic.

If somebody asked me directly if I had bipolar disorder, I would not lie but, I don't feel compelled to bring it up. I would, however, be curious why they asked me. Was my behavior erratic and out of the norm? Did I seem depressed? Did they hear a rumor? I have never had anyone ask me if I was bipolar, hence my boring "coming out" story.