Why does my mental illness have to be so obvious!?

Why is it so obvious I am bipolar? Without even mentioning mental illness, all my bosses can tell there is something wrong with me even when I think I'm doing great.

I spent almost 16 hours the past three days getting the house ready for my brother to come home. I came to work absolutely exhausted, and asked my executive housekeeper for a pep talk. Within the hour my general manager called me into her office and asked if I was okay. I explained to her my mind is racing because of all the things I needed to get done before my brother gets home, that this will be the first time in two years he will be coming home for Christmas, and that it is high stress for my family and that my mom and I have fought in the past during this time. She then asked if I was taking anti-depressants for it, and I explained that I am bipolar. She then offered support, explaining she does the same thing when guests come over and the high stress with her new baby and suggested to listen to music, use a timer to keep me on track in my rooms, and to take my time.

I guess it's a good thing that my boss is looking out for me, but I hate that I can't hide my mental illness and fit in with everyone else and just appear to be a normal girl dealing with the stress of the holidays. It makes me so mad that my bosses just "know" I'm mentally ill even when I don't say anything, regardless that all of them have been supportive about it. It makes me feel worse about my job that they know I'm bipolar. Why does it have to be so obvious!?

From what you said to you boss, I wouldn't think she'd have any indication of you having MI. I wonder what made her say "Are you taking AD for it?" Could it be you were talking a lot and very fast?

I understand how you may be feeling. Still, I suggest you to look at the bright side. Your boss has proven to be surprisingly supportive - that's awesome, if you ask me!

But either way, I understand your pain and I'm sorry

Maybe she has experience with others with mental illnesses. It sounds like she is supportive.

You are not alone. My symptoms are pretty transparent to others too, much to my own detriment at the best of times.