Just curious. I'm not creating a poll on this question because I'd be happy if people elaborated a bit when answering. I know this forum attracts members of various ages, so I assume experiences may vary because of that, at least.

I'm in my mid 40s. I do not remember the topic of mental illness ever being discussed in any of my schools. Since I didn't take psychology course in college, I didn't learn much about them then, either. I do remember reading about mental illness once in high school when I was clearly in a mixed episode. But I wrongly self-diagnosed myself as possibly schizophrenic. When the episode passed (or when I became more elated), the thought passed. I had various episodes in my 20s, as well. I went to GPs for depression and anxiety, but wasn't really diagnosed with anything. I know I had varying levels of mania before and during that time, but I never saw that as mental illness. I lacked insight.

I got an email from my high school mentioning their 2019 Reunion Weekend. This year will mark 30 years since I graduated. Ugh! Though most of those years I have lived near enough to my high school to attend a reunion (i.e. 10th and 20th), I never did. I'm thinking that this year I will.

I went to a very small private high school. My graduating class was only 25 students. I only keep in touch with two of my classmates, and have written to them about my bipolar. But every year I get reunion news and the school newsletter containing stories of past alumni. So-and-so is a lawyer with two kids, another person a film maker, etc. About 15 years ago, I probably would have been proud to mention what I did for a living, but since then I wasn't willing/able to share what was going on with me. What was I supposed to say? I'm on disability, have no kids, and was recently hospitalized? I know. I certainly shouldn't have been embarrassed. But I was not eager to share. At some points I was even having trouble leaving my house, let alone going to some braggadocios shin-dig.

When I received the Reunion Weekend email yesterday, I decided to respond with an RSVP "yes". I mentioned what I had been up to since graduating, which included my struggle with mental illness. I didn't go into too much detail, but I wanted to mention that if it hadn't been for my mental illness, I would never have been sent to that school at all. Being sent to that school was very significant for me in so many ways. I won't list them.

The alumni director replied to my email this afternoon. It was a lovely response. She even wrote that she fully understands the strength it takes to live with a mental illness. She said that her mom, brother, AND sister all have bipolar disorder. I hadn't even written the word "bipolar disorder" in my email to her.

I sent a brief response to hers, asking if the school provides an educational seminar about mental illnesses, addictions, and destigmatization. I look forward to seeing what she says. I actually feel really good about this upcoming reunion. I no longer feel embarrassed. Honestly, I feel like a success, even despite still being on disability. I know that many people in this world have never had such challenges that many of us here have. There is a certain tolerance, patience, and fighting heroism necessary to survive such hardships. These achievements trump many of the more typically brag worthy ones I could have mentioned 16 years ago. There are many people that are rightly proud to say "I am a cancer survivor" or "I climbed Mount Everest". We should be proud of our fight, too.