I share with people who I connect with on that level, regardless of our closeness. Some people just understand mental turmoil and have had experiences with it. Others...not so much. The exception,of course,are people very close to me who are directly effected by it. I tell them and try to refrain from taking too personally their ignorance or assumptions. I love it when they ask open questions and am happy to fully disclose my experiences so as to demystify the actual disorder. That being said, if their reaction turns to judgement and shaming or blaming every little thing that happens on my illness, I have to put space between us and move on with my life. There are SO MANY empathetic, compassionate people who will not just see you(us) as the sum of an illness, but rather someone individual and amazing who happens to deal with the hurdles of mental illness. Why waste your(our) time with ones who can't, won't, or don't deserve to "get it"?