[trippinmickey]

Should you tell people that you are bipolar . Over the years I found it hard to explain my odd habits as I cycle up & down with bipolar thinking if i told people they could better understand me but only to find out that they rather not know me at after i told them of my illness .Even in AA where they offer support and understanding . After I would share my problems and told them of my illness 95% of time they would walk away from in mid sentence . Its hard going though such hell over and over again and wanting support from someone anyone and to find know one there.Why dose it scare people so much ?: Drug addicts get 10x more support and understanding in todays world but yet they have a choice to use or not to use well i know its hard for some people at least they have a choice . Its amazing how we can feel sorry for them but fear towards me .

[dueNorth]

I have had the same experience in telling people. Some times though I get surprising results. While I am not ashamed or embarrassed that I have it, I don't advertise it either. Guess after years being the way I am and not knowing, just knowing something was not right, and only recently finding out, guess it does not matter to me one way or another.

I usually will tell people that haven't seen me for a while, and they say wow what happened everything was going extremely well for you, that I will say. And then they go 'Ohhh, yeah can see how that can do it to ya.' But then like you, they walk away and don't even wave as they pass ya by but look the other way.

Guess in my way of thinking, rather recently, I have a gift and a curse. When I am feeling at least semi-normal or calm I really enjoy it and don't take it for granted.

[Schatje]

I'm open about my bipolar. I don't walk up to people and say, "Hi, I'm bipolar," but my family and friends know and if the subject comes up etc. I willingly will admit it. I'm not ashamed. I've had "wow," "I can't believe it,” “I can’t believe it,” and "lets just not talk about it," but never an "I won't talk to you" or “I'll avoid you” reaction. I'm still optimistic that someday the stigma will diminish or change and by being open I'm hoping that it will contribute to that change. It also helps to drop names of famous people who have been bipolar (try Lincoln or Buzz Aldrin), try and keep it light if you can, and if they seem afraid mention that statistically bipolar people are really only a danger to themselves (I know that there are those for whom this doesn’t hold true, but it is what the stats say and they don’t need to know more than that right?).

[Bellax3]

I'm also really afraid to tell people. Like, its hard for me to regard it as a "mental disorder" I much rather call it a "mood disorder" but its weird how labels can make all the difference. Saying "I'm mentally Ill" scares the heebee Jeebees out of me, and I'm MUCH more comfortable saying "I Have a mood disorder"
As for advice, I'd suggest only telling close friends and family. When you find yourself in a situation where you are trying to explain your behavior or feelings to someone, if you aren't that close to the person, you can say something like "well, there are reasons for the way I am, and no hard feelings, but I really don't want to discuss it right now" or if you do think you want to tell them, say "well, I can't really control it. I have this mood thing, like PMS on steroids, but I'm working on it" and if they ask for more info, you can specify bipolar, but the whole "PMS on steroids" thing should lighten the mood and make it a bit easier.

I'm guessing that the reason that there is tons of support for drug addiction verses mental illness is that people don't know as much about mental illness. They think of severe schitzophrenia, and are freaked out. They think voices, delusions, etc, and it scares them.

I hope this helps.

[Pationl]

Been there, done that. When I feel comfortable with people I tell them to avoid they hear it from someone else with whatever strange ideas they had finding out when you have an episode. Tell them when you are as "normal" (what is that btw? LOL) as possible and find a way that you think is suitable for the person. Make it more positive than it is .

[skeeweeaka]

I have had nothing but negatives from telling people...

TJ

[tracy33]

I was at my Alcohol and Addictions group the other night. I had mentioned how my doctor wanted me to stop drinking because of the meds I take. The person who does the group asked if the meds were for depression and I just said "sort of", and left it at that.
I was afraid to say I am bipolar in front of 20 people or so. I didn't want to be judged. I didn't want people to not talk to me because I'm "crazy".
On the other hand, if I were in a group of mental health patients, I'd tell them I am bipolar.
I don't even tell family or friends (don't have any friends ).

I made my 8 year old step daughter swear not to tell anyone that I am bipolar. Her mom would just love to hear that!

[Clandestine]

Originally Posted by trippinmickey

Should you tell people that you are bipolar . Over the years I found it hard to explain my odd habits as I cycle up & down with bipolar thinking if i told people they could better understand me but only to find out that they rather not know me at after i told them of my illness.

I only told my close friends that I'm going through clinical depression, and only told those whom I think are mature enough to understand my true diagnosis. It's better if you don't disclose as much information as possible and just keep things to yourself, your family, and your psychiatrist/therapist.

This is based from my experience of friends perceiving that I'm crazy when I told them about my condition. :[