bipolar is like modern day leprosy

Gus - Any ideas on helping me with that energy? Everyone at work knows I am bipolar and I feel like I am treated differently because of it. Any suggestions? Thanks a bunch!! I'm new on this site and really really need support.

I had a dear friend for many years, we went to school together, raised kids the same age, our families vacationed together, celebrated holidays together, etc. She and her husband were truly our "best" friends. After my manic episode and dx of BP1 they dropped us like hotcakes. It wasn't that any of my manic behavior included them either. ( She and I were both nurses and even did our psych clinicals together as students.) My husband tried to "revive" the relationship (against my wishes) and that too was met with polite and indirect rejection. It really hurt both my husband and I. Of course, I have always felt reponsible. Now we have let it go. Oddly enough they moved and retired to the same location as we did so I imagine that sooner or later I'll run into her. I have played that out in my mind and I will be civil, nothing more. I really have no desire to reconnect with someone who treated me that way.

I'm pretty open about having bipolar. If someone asks why I am on disability I'll just say it straight. I used to worry about what people would think and kept it a big secret. I was so nervous about telling my bf when the relationship was in the early stages. And when I did tell him, his only knowledge of bipolar came from an ER episode. He was scared... I never did see the show. But he stood by me.

I have developed an attitude now that if we always hide our dx then we will never be accepted. Things will not change. If someone learns of my dx and shuns me because of that alone, do I really want to know this person? There are plenty of people out there who will accept me and I'm not going to be bothered by those who don't. I know inside that I am a good person and that's what counts. On a side note: I have no friends, maybe there is a connection? But I am still happy.

It does make me sad that this is the state of things, but I believe we can change it!