Hi Miss Laura--I'm not bipolar but recently found out my long distance boyfriend is. (I don't think he knows I know). Anyway, I did notice he did not have friends. Not outside of Fb anyway. His job he works alone, but is friends with his coworkers. Not outside of work except for work related get togethers which he does go to and enjoys. In his case I think it is more afraid of developing friendships. Friends want to socialize, and I'm sure the timing is not always good for him, etc.. People probably don't know how to deal with things when they get bad. Anyone that cannot handle the issues, I believe is not good for you anyway. You don't need to help them help you other than explaining to them when in a good place. I have clinical depression and when I declined a shopping trip with my two sister-in-laws they were offended. I explained that I would not be enjoyable and did not want to bring down their day. They did not understand that they would not be able to change my mood. I let them be offended Understandable, being family we still have contact, but I no longer get invited on this things! Luckily mental issues are being brought to the forefront so maybe people will start to have a better understanding. I am sticking by my boyfriend, letting him know I am here for however long it is before he can relate to me again. (and he has been getting better and contacting me in small but meaningful ways). Hang in there, something, somebody, good will come along. (I have worked in psych, stay on meds, talk to Dr. if you have issues with what you are on. Have gotten close with many of the residents, and always happy to see them get back out there).