My family all know that I am mentally ill because everyone in my family knows everything about everybody in my family. I don`t tell other people though. I am diagnosed as bipolar 2 and in the past, I have been a self-harmer and my scars are still very visible. A couple of people asked about my scars, and I always have to explain why I don`t want my blood drawn off the arm I self-harmed on. I don`t share about my self harm because I`m deeply ashamed that I did that to myself and a lot of people don`t understand mental illness and can be judgmental.

I have my family as a support system. Mainly my Mom and sisters. Other members of family also are supportive. One of my cousins who has a degree in psychology and worked with mentally ill people who were really bad off also is understanding. My Mom and sisters have also become informed about bipolar disorder and understand it better. Things are a bit difficult for my family right now because my Mom is also ill though not mentally.

I`ve never had accommodations made for employment because I became ill while I was in college, and I have never been able to hold down a job.