I dont believe admittance is weakness and I dont believe people are any more wary of me than they were before. Then again I get along with everyone but have no lasting relationships with anyone except my H, so hard to say but I have only been given positive and caring attention when I have said anything even about the worst of me. This includes a lot of episode, alcohol abuse, nights in the drunk tank and all my psych ward stays, which is a lot. I definitely feel better not hiding as well.

I have only started one job since my first major episode a couple of years ago but there was never any reason to say anything. Unfortunately I have had over a month of sick time due to hospitalizations since starting my job 8 months ago. My boss and coworkers also know about my issues with alcohol, mania and attempts because of where I work in the hospital they see the records but I have never felt judged or that they thought less of me. I do good work but I am sick, they seem to be fine with that. Hopefully the worst episodes are over but I dont worry about my job anymore, I know most are not that great though.

Im glad you look at it the way you do. When people see you negatively they arent worth your time and attention. Sorry that you have to deal with it at all. For myself I have never had anyone say anything bad to me but I will call them out on it if they have something bad to say about anyone else. I dont care if its someone with a substance abuse issue, a mood or personality disorder etc. We are all worth the same respect. Some just have a harder time in life than others.