[BPQuestions]

Well I learned the hard way to be very selective in who I tell about my diagnosis. I told a very or who i thought was a very close friend. He completely flipped out and withdrew from me within a week. Oh well I guess Ill learn who my real friends are. How have other peoples experiences been?

[Unhinged88]

Well, I haven't had many friends to tell and lose. But family is another story. They don't understand or acknowledge it even.

I am open with it at work and people call me crazy or say I had to take off for "mental breakdowns" and it kinda hurts, to be talked about. But there is a huge stigma attached to it and I feel if we aren't open(to whatever degree each is comfortable with) that the stigma won't change.

People see shows like Criminal Minds where evey murderer and serial killer is antisocial, bipolar or BPD, etc. It's frustrating. No wonder people freak out. And maybe if you try talking to your friend about what it really is AND isn't they might be understanding. And if not, well you don't need any friends like that. As much as it sucks to lose someone.

I hate when people are jerks like that. It really makes me want to shake them.

I tell everyone my diagnosis. I talk about it on Facebook. My friends and family have been amazing. They totally support me.

I did have one friend that I had known for 17 years ask me if I was off my meds when I got angry at him. I told him to fly a kite and we haven't spoken in over a year. I have no time for people who are going to be like that.

[sonjaward809]

All of my friends are pretty understanding. My family has come around more too. The only thing I wish they would get is that it's not just going to go away. They often tell me to walk (when I'm depressed) or to just try and stay calm. Unfortunetly, it doesn't work that way. Even with the amount of meds I'm on I still have mood episodes, so that should tip them off that I'm going to have to deal with this forever. But I think it's easier for them to think that one day I'll wake up a "normal" person.

[Guiness187055]

I keep it to myself. Not even my whole family knows about it. I just find that it's better that way.

[jtassar93]

I don't really have any friends to tell. The only friend I did have I lost a long time ago because he couldn't handle my moods. Only my mom knows, since she's the one that takes me to the doctor/hospital. My step dad doesn't care what's even going on with me and my brother just thinks I'm crazy. If I ever go out into the real world I'm definitely keeping it to myself.

[DesigningWoman]

I never discuss my bipolar at work. But I wouldn't discuss dating, religion, or any number of personal topics there. Fear of Stigma does play a big part, but I am also very private.
My family knows and are supportive. I usually get to know someone as a friend for awhile before I bring it up. I mean I would think it odd if upon meeting someone he or she begin telling me all about some illness they have. If there seems to be a real bond forming, I do it slowly so as it not get hurt. I also try to be matter of fact and keep the drama down. This is part of me and my life. If we are close, you will see these symptoms. Vast majority of the time it goes well. Not everyone needs the same depth of knowledge and intimacy with me. That's ok. The reverse is true as well.

[99fairies]

Everyone that knows me knows I have bipolar. You can't hide the fact that you've been to the hospital numerous times. And I'm not shy are embarrassed about it. I've had family members push me away when I was coming out of my first major episode. It took a few years but they've all forgiven me and we are close again.

[USMCBIPOLAR7]

I like to let people get to know me then tell them but after a mania some will still just think you are crazy while others will be loving and supportive. I don’t work now but if I did I would keep it to myself at work and on a need to know basis . Close friends and family are my support group and don’t stigmatize it and are always there for me and try to understand so they know because I need there feedback and I trust them to treat me well and be helpful to me

[Loose Screw x 2]

Yeah, I talk about my conditions and if anybody treats me badly because of it, I just remind myself that I don't need anyone like that around. I've come this far without people like that and I can make it the rest of the way without them is how I see it.