I inform people very selectively, but if my behaviors become evident I will disclose the fact that I have BP...or at least suffer from severe depression. I attend regular AA meetings & will periodically disappear from meetings for months at a time when having episodes. Rather than having my AA compadres think I've been back out drinking, I mention my struggles with MI at my regular, committed meetings (continuous sobriety is very important to me).

As far as other folks, I'll tell very close friends about it since my symptoms are often EXTREMELY evident. As far as acquaintances go, I don't feel there's a need to disclose. In other words, I share on a "need to know basis." My experience is that most people could care less...& if people are put off (& a very few are), screw them! Ultimately, I think the decision is up to the individual.