I tell practically everyone. All of my friends know I have bipolar, and I post things about it on facebook sometimes. I mentioned it in church last week. I talk to the other moms at playgroup about postpartum depression and anxiety and regular depression and anxiety. (None of them have bipolar, so the depression and anxiety are what they can relate to.) Many have said that my openness has helped them, especially in helping them recognize their own struggle and feel like treatment can help. My whole family knows, too. Yep, very open, and that support is a huge part of how I cope.

I wasn't this open when my diagnosis was just depression and anxiety because I still thought I should have or could fix it if I worked hard enough. Now I know I have bipolar and it'll never go away, so I need as much help and support as I can get.

What do you think I'd the single most powerful factor of your bipolar management?