Well I don't share unless I absolutely have to...like I need a medication. And even there it's selective information If I tell him I have plans to kill myself. I will be put away. And other questions they ask that you just know what they mean....you have to not tell them everything (UNLESS) of course you know you need to go inpatient.

As far as family goes, I did tell a couple of them and they brushed it off as "sadness" and "couldn't [i] cheer up"? If people haven't experienced it...then they have no idea. Even doctors, sadly.
Sometimes if I'm meeting someone new (lunch get together) I will mention it because my conversation is hindered---or I have none!----just like you would mention why your arm is in a sling.

So...I won't tell my family. They brush off everything I say. They probably think I'm "fixed" by now.

So...there are times when it benefits and times when it hurts in my opinion to disclose a mental illness. There is still a stigma (sadly) and I don't need that on top of my other issues. I don't want anyone treating me with pity.

I leave it as "need to know" information...

I hear how you're suffering Dechan. I agree. Having a Mental Illness is very much like continuous job training...what to do, who you talk to, when to admit defeat....

Please stay here. Sometimes I withdraw because I don't feel it beneficial, but this is the only place that people can WITH HONESTY truly say "I know how you feel". And that's exactly what you need when you're at the bottom of the well.