I've only told a few people but i've always regretted it. Mostly people just do not know what to say. For me, there's nothing to be gained by telling people. I get manic in the Spring and if i can't hide it from people i just say i have 'Spring Fever.' No one ever pursues it. Admitting to Winter depression is easier, however.

I would be clear about what you hope to get in return before confiding in a person. I guess i wanted help from my mom. Reasonable enough to turn to parents for help. But she was just overwhelmed and had no help for me. She just wanted to have a good time and hear about happy, fun things, like that i'd gone swimming or skating or out for lunch. She didn't want to hear about mental illness. It was a bitter disappointment.