I share with everyone, I want people to know that just because I'm bipolar doesn't mean I'm any different than anyone else. Just because I have it doesn't mean I can't function like a "normal" person.

I have lost a very dear and close friend (we've known each other since the seventh grade and we're now in our 30's) because of it. It basically came down to me not flying up to Chicago to attend her wedding because I was having a really bad episode. I guess she didn't understand or chose not to understand (even though she's taken many psychology classes in college- So I thought she'd be the one to understand the most.). It sucks, but what can I do?

Overall, most people have been understanding and patient with me about it. I'm a firm believer that people won't understand unless it's talked about and shown that we're just like "normal" people. Yes, there's trials along the way, but I want to show I'm the same person I was before I was officially diagnosed. Plus, it helps with them understanding my erratic behavior a little more when I disappear because of depression or act really off when I'm manic.

I'm sorry you have to go through this with your friend and I wish you the best when it comes to disclosing or not disclosing.