My general tune with work and my bipolar disorder is that it's not anybody's business until it is their business, by which I mean my job performance might be affected or I might have to miss work. In that case, I advise the appropriate supervisors about what's going on and hash out what needs to be done, if anything.

I take the same track with acquaintances. Unless it becomes their business for whatever reason, I don't feel an obligation to volunteer that information. If they ask, I'll tell them. Close friends, confidants and family already know.

My support system is small, but it is there. I have my PsychNP as well as my mother and a pastor who has also been a long time friend. They're my sounding boards if something feels off.