I was diagnosed Bipolar 1 - 12 years ago. I do not tell most people. There is a stigma associated with mental illness and no matter how hard you explain, people will always think you are "sick."

Now, about significant others. A couple of questions: Do you have episodes of mania that could be dangerous or have put you into the hospital? Are you medicated? How well are you controlled?

The reason I ask these questions is because the mania could affect your significant other and put him/her at danger. As for the medication, if you planned on having a family, the medication has some effects on that. (ie many Bipolar meds can-not be safely used during the first trimester) And if you are not controlled well and your moods are all over the place, well that needs some explaining.

Each relationship is different and it really is an individual decision when you feel the relationship is getting serious. But I would not disclose it first and I would not disclose it last. Somewhere in the middle....

The truth is, if someone loves you, they will accept ALL of you.