Who do you want to know about your BP, but are too afraid to tell because of possible repercussions? Why?

I would love to tell everyone at work (including my bosses) about my BP so that I could have some leeway if/when my mood is wonky. I would also love help and support from them because that would be amazing. But obviously, I think it's too risky to tell them because I fear it could cost me my job.

[scatterbrained04]

I'm not necessarily afraid to tell anyone I have BP. Lots of people know. I'm terrified to tell anyone how BP actually effects me though.

Originally Posted by scatterbrained04

I'm not necessarily afraid to tell anyone I have BP. Lots of people know. I'm terrified to tell anyone how BP actually effects me though.

That's a good point. It's one thing to tell someone you have BP, but it's a whole 'nother thing to tell them what it's like to live with it. I think some people would be shocked, especially since mass media has skewed public perception of mental illness, BP especially

[SorryShaped]

I want people to know that sometimes it's the condition and I'm not fully in control. It seems that I shouldn't tell anyone, unless there's a problem, because I'm judged harshly by that. So far I have had that experience. I attach to people too easily and want them to be open with me and I want to be open with them. This has cost me some friends. Scratch that, this has cost me all RL friends, even those with other mental health problems and even bipolar.
For example, in a hypo state, I accepted a secretary position in a club. I knew I couldn't do the job, but I took it anyway. I'd have tried to build a scale model of the Titanic out of popsicle sticks at that point if someone said I could do it. The pressures from my failed marriage and my parents and trying to do something I had no idea how to do overwhelmed me. I then crashed about a week or two later, to the point of hospitalization for SI. I went back to the club and apologized for what I'd done, taking the position, officially resigned from the officer's position, and explained that it was the hypo mood state and that I have bipolar. Most of the club has shunned me since.
I'm honest and open about having bipolar, but it appears I'm far too open.

[99fairies]

My kid's teachers at school.

[Victoria'smom]

I would like to apologies to my parents for ruining their cross country trip by being paranoid.

[wildflowerchild25]

I’d like to tell my supervisor so he won’t expect much out of me for the rest of the year. But I’m afraid they’d fire me on the spot and I’d be unable to get unemployment bc they would claim misconduct.

[SorryShaped]

Originally Posted by wildflowerchild25

I’d like to tell my supervisor so he won’t expect much out of me for the rest of the year. But I’m afraid they’d fire me on the spot and I’d be unable to get unemployment bc they would claim misconduct.

If there becomes an issue, you can have any doctor write you a note for needing extra support in the workplace. It's very difficult to for someone who's going through any sickness. Mental illness is frequently permanent. They fire a disabled person in any way and it looks really bad for them.

[Nola0250]

I was most afraid to tell my brother even though we are close because I thought he would not be able to keep it to himself and might not really understand or might be judge mental. But last night we had dinner and he started telling me about some problems he’s having that have been getting worse over the past couple years. Getting into fights. Intolerance to others and getting more and more difficult to control himself and act civil. Intrusive unwanted thoughts and images. Rapid pressured speech. Inability to sleep even with ambien. It was like looking at my brain in a mirror. So I told him. I’m still worried he might not be able to keep it between us, but he needed to know what is probably happening for him and get some help. I also feel way less lonely now.

[SorryShaped]

Originally Posted by Nola0250

I was most afraid to tell my brother even though we are close because I thought he would not be able to keep it to himself and might not really understand or might be judge mental. But last night we had dinner and he started telling me about some problems he’s having that have been getting worse over the past couple years. Getting into fights. Intolerance to others and getting more and more difficult to control himself and act civil. Intrusive unwanted thoughts and images. Rapid pressured speech. Inability to sleep even with ambien. It was like looking at my brain in a mirror. So I told him. I’m still worried he might not be able to keep it between us, but he needed to know what is probably happening for him and get some help. I also feel way less lonely now.

That's a really difficult way to get closer. I hope both of you get some relief

[Nola0250]

Originally Posted by SorryShaped

That's a really difficult way to get closer. I hope both of you get some relief

Yeah me too. How could I watch him suffer when (I think) I know what the problem is? My family is rife with undiagnosed bipolar II’s who are bootstrappers and see getting psychiatric care as a sign of weakness. He doesn’t though.

I’m MOST afraid to tell my parents for the same reason, though I suspect
one of them and 2 of my uncles are undiagnosed. BPII. I don’t think they would believe it and they would judge me.

[Pookyl]

I’m not afraid to tell anyone anymore. But, for me it took me fully accepting that I was mentally ill.
A year ago I was still in denial. I would tell people when they looked at me funny or asked if I was ok that I had an acquired brain injury.