[Orienteer]

My friend and I were having a conversation about her mom and she mentioned her mother is bipolar - and then I kind of blurted I was bipolar as well? The thing is, excluding my doctors, I dont want ANYONE to know I'm bipolar. I'm so scared she's going to tell her mom that I'm bipolar, or start judging my behavior with the knowledge that I'm bipolar. She's given me no real reason to think this, she's a good friend, but regardless I'm freaking out. I hate myself so much for telling her, I'm so embarrassed and scared. I made her promise not to tell anyone but still I'm plagued with doubt. :C

[pommybt]

I'm sorry you feel so scared and are doubting what you have told your friend. Please don't take this the wrong way this is just how I feel. I'd rather ppl know. Some not everyone I understand that will realize your behaviour is because you have bipolar. I went to court yesterday about the custody of the kids. The judge was really happy with me for coming forward with it and actually making it in to the court house for the hearing. Sending hugs.

[sui generis]

Originally Posted by Orienteer

My friend and I were having a conversation about her mom and she mentioned her mother is bipolar - and then I kind of blurted I was bipolar as well? The thing is, excluding my doctors, I dont want ANYONE to know I'm bipolar. I'm so scared she's going to tell her mom that I'm bipolar, or start judging my behavior with the knowledge that I'm bipolar. She's given me no real reason to think this, she's a good friend, but regardless I'm freaking out. I hate myself so much for telling her, I'm so embarrassed and scared. I made her promise not to tell anyone but still I'm plagued with doubt. :C

Nawww! It's okay, it's fine to be afraid that she knows as it can be pretty daunting. But it is probably beneficial to have a good friend who knows about it It's important to have good social support and someone you can talk to about this apart from your doctors. Maybe you could tell her about how embarrassed and scared you are because you told her? I do that when I feel really scared or stupid about something that I told my friends and 99% of the time they reassure me that they aren't judging me and that it's okay getting that reassurance will lift that fear off your shoulders and create that expectation of open communication.

If ever she (or anyone else) does start judging your behaviour through a omgtheyhavebipolar lenses then let them know straight away that it isn't cool. Her mum has bipolar though, so she's hopefully ahead of the game when it comes to not being a d-bag haha.

[lilypup]

I have told many of my friends. I don't now if they look at me differently, but they seem to treat me the same so I don't worry about it. I recently told a friend of 43 years. She announced that her brother also had bipolar. I don't think it scared her at all. Rather gave her insight into my behavior.