Good luck with your doctor's appointment.

Yes, mental illness does carry a stigma. I am BPII as well. I still have not told my in-laws of my diagnosis. They do know I have a depression problem (that is how my disorder usually manifests) but I fear what people think when they hear bipolar.

That being said, there is no reason that your peers will need to know that you are diagnosed with a mental illness. Most of the medications are taken in the morning or at night so there should be no need to go to the school nurse for pills. Tell only who you want to tell.

Congratulations in being proactive about your mental health. Had I been, I probably would have had my diagnosis (and with the correct diagnosis the proper treatment) sooner.

Beware of the mood-stabilizer Depakote. It is very likely to cause the painful condition polycystic ovaries in teenagers and young adults.