I don't exactly wear my mental illness on my shirt-sleeve but I don't hide it. If and when things come up and the opportunity feels right, I have no problem being open. Most people close to me know I am bipolar. Times come up when I admit to depression and anxiety. I have no problem with this. I can't imagine feeling trapped by not being able to be so.

I ask then, why you have the impression you can't be open to at least family if not close acquaintances? Is their anyone you can confide in at all? There is a freedom that comes with being honest to others.

I also want to address your concerns about what happens when the time comes (it will! yay!) that you do feel better able to enjoy and do things. I doubt very much that people are going to ask themselves why you weren't doing these things originally. Perhaps instead, you might be able to concentrate on the victories.