#5 ("Just think positive." "Just calm down.") is one of my biggest frustrations. A lot of people don't get that depressed doesn't always mean sad. I can have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes without thinking of anything that causes it and thinking about how good I have it won't change it. When I am an arrogant jackass, the best I can hope for is to keep my mouth shut; if you want me to participate in a discussion I am likely to say something inappropriate or condescending.

I had a few people who gave the #1 ("You don't have bipolar.") response, but I was surprised by a few people who said (paraphrased) "Yeah, I know" or "that explains a lot."

#3 (it's an excuse) and #6 ( "I wouldn't tell anyone you have it) I do to myself. There is some stigma and there are people and/or places where it just isn't a battle I want to fight to get people to understand. I don't like therapist and pdoc describing some of my past mistakes as not being my fault; at some level I made choices.