[Rick7892]

Today was positive. A friend and I went on a hike in a natural area this morning. It was great to be outdoors. We have known each other for about 40 years. I had thought about telling him that I have recently been finally diagnosed as bipolar and prescribed meds for it. But I didn't tell him. Looking back, I have had times of mild mania for decades but did not seek help for it...

Anyone else have trouble telling friends about being bipolar? Suggestions?

Thanks!

[BipolaRNurse]

When I started telling people, they were all like, "Well, that explains a lot!" Turned out they'd suspected something was wrong for years. It made it easier to talk about.

my diagnosis came after a very public breakdown followed by a loooong term hospitilazation... i didnt have to tell anyone really. everyone found out at the same time i did.

when making a new friend i usually tell them pretty quickly. ive been very lucky and have never had a negative reaction.

good luck in your descision on whether to disclose or not!

[wiretwister]

friends know about my "breakdown" but not about my forced inpatient or dx...

[lilypup]

I am 55 and just recently started coming out to my friends and family. It's been a gradual thing. I'm not trying to hide anymore, I just look for the right time.I have a friend of 43 years I am seeing next week for lunch. I only see her about twice a year so am not sure if I will tell her or not. For me, it depends on how often I see the person and also if my illness has or might affect them.
One of my good friends has bipolar and she told a neighbor she didn't know well. The husband of this neighbor came over later and said "I think you have a demon inside you." This sort of scared me off of telling people I don't know well. And frankly, my mental health is not everyone's business.
In your case, however, I probably would have told this friend. He sounds pretty nice.

[~Christina]

I would think the long friendship you have with him would be a plus .. maybe he has seen something in the past and wondered ...

If it were me I would probably tell him .

[Bryc33]

I find most people lack the ability to understand what it is or how it affects me.

[Love&Toil]

Originally Posted by lilypup

[...] it depends on how often I see the person and also if my illness has or might affect them.[...] And frankly, my mental health is not everyone's business.

These points make a lot of sense.

[tipper1492]

I'm 64 and diagnosed two or so years ago, I have BPII. The medications changed my life for much better. I have been slow to tell anyone other than one best male friend (I'm male) and brother and sister. In my small (25K) town, word travels fast. Others may have found out. I gave up all alcohol, drugs, smoking and would never start back because it would only destroy what my medications do. I did not ever understand what was wrong with me, or why I did certain things the way I did, until seeing a psychiatrist. I have always kept to myself, and maybe even more now. After all I am not out at any of the bars. Psych Central has been important to me, and lets me know I am not alone. Among the 25K in my small town, certainly there are more, but I do not know any.

[Jennyanydots]

Originally Posted by Bryc33

I find most people lack the ability to understand what it is or how it affects me.

I feel the same way...

[Tucson]

I tell people that I get to know, waiting for the right time. So now, my closest friend, the regulars at Denny's, the staff at that restaurant, my job coach, and next door neighbors all know. I have found out that these people still respect me.

[Bryc33]

To fully understand I think they need to read more of these type of forums and all the medical mumbo jumbo is kept to a minimum. People I am close to I have sent articles or Web pages to try explain my situation.

[notALICE]

I keep my diagnosis close. My family and my children know, in case they have a chance of having the same. Like the risk of diabetes. This runs higher in families, passing it down. I don't want that to be what people "see" in me or define me as. I am open on here, but don't have many friends that I am close enough to share with. Although, if I feel sharing may help another I wouldn't hesitate. People hear depression and most don't bat an eye, but bipolar is often misunderstood by those not educated. I'm not ashamed of having it, but I guess I've adapted a cautious need to know basis in disclosing my Dx of BP1.

[muller1209]

Originally Posted by Rick7892

Today was positive. A friend and I went on a hike in a natural area this morning. It was great to be outdoors. We have known each other for about 40 years. I had thought about telling him that I have recently been finally diagnosed as bipolar and prescribed meds for it. But I didn't tell him. Looking back, I have had times of mild mania for decades but did not seek help for it...

Anyone else have trouble telling friends about being bipolar? Suggestions?

Thanks!

i have told only a few friends. two of which had taken me to the hospital, they have been supportive and ask on occasion if i need to talk, they can tell if i get depressed, they dont understand totally, but it is nice to have them if i do need them.

[alab]

I have told a few friends and the reaction was not negative. However, I may as well have told them I had the flu. it was a conversation for them but a diagnosis for me. I hope that makes sense. I know these people care for me. They just don't understand what bipolar II is. Frankly, I'm not sure I get it at times. So...I've told a few friends and the reaction has been more positive than negative. That said, I sometimes worry that they may have repeated out conversation to others and that terrifies me!!! People hear bipolar and think-whooooaaaa....real crazy not just prozac crazy. There is such a stigma. I had the same preconceived notions until I was diagnosed. Convenient, huh?

Originally Posted by lilypup

I am 55 and just recently started coming out to my friends and family. It's been a gradual thing. I'm not trying to hide anymore, I just look for the right time.I have a friend of 43 years I am seeing next week for lunch. I only see her about twice a year so am not sure if I will tell her or not. For me, it depends on how often I see the person and also if my illness has or might affect them.
One of my good friends has bipolar and she told a neighbor she didn't know well. The husband of this neighbor came over later and said "I think you have a demon inside you." This sort of scared me off of telling people I don't know well. And frankly, my mental health is not everyone's business.
In your case, however, I probably would have told this friend. He sounds pretty nice.

Was this a one off thing, because I once saw the head of a corpse laying in my bed in the mirror but it only happened once. It sounds crazy, but if this only happened once or once in a while it does not mean you are "insane". The 2 form of bipolar is the "milder" form and I don't want you to think you are a "psychotic" person for having had a few hallucinations in your life. Honestly, your "hallucination" was probably contact with some type of spiritual realm rather than the hallucinations of crazy people.

[Skitz13]

I really struggle with this as well. My closest friends know but I don't disclose if it's not going to impact them at all. I don't feel the need to wear a sign.

I am however struggling with a new relationship and disclosure. All I've said is that I do get depressed every now and then. Which is not a lie. I figure I'll go on an "as needed" basis.

Ironically, I met him while in a manic episode.

[Silent Void]

I had a psychotic break and my best friend of 35 years dumped me like a hot rock. It doesn't always end happily.

Bipolar with psychotic features

[blue_squirrel]

Besides my husband, a friend, and my sister (who can relate), I don't tell anyone (other than my T and pdoc). Some of my friends know that I have "depression" (original diagnosis). As much as it runs my life, Bipolar Disorder is what I have -it's not who I am.