Even tho this is my question, it is kind of hard to answer. I would say, for the most part, no, unless someone really knew what to look for. It takes one to know one, kinda thing. When I am manic I can act like someone on coke talkative, usually out spending money, happy and prideful but there are plenty of normal people like that.

When I am depressed I hide it pretty well in public. I am ALWAYS friendly (except in big crowds where I am anxious and withdrawn). I talk to everyone and wear a big smile everywhere. I give out compliments where I see them and try to brighten days with a positive attitude and a warm expression.

As for fitting the stereotype/public perception of mentally ill in public, no. I engage others in logical conversation, have good eye contact, dont come off as angry, sad, fearful, irritable

I often wonder if these things will change as I get older and have lived with this illness for longer. Will I begin to wear my symptoms on my sleeve? So many people in my groups present themselves as mentally ill without them having to explain it, and I feel so badly for them. Is that inevitable?

There's such a broad range of "normal" behavior that most people can't tell who's BP or not. Persons diagnosed BP are at most 5% of the population and they don't account for all the freaky people there are running around. The few people I've told about my BP are surprised and said they'd never guess. Good on me!

in some cases, I believe that one can tell that there's something "not quite right" about some people.

that's good tommy - surprise is GOOD :)
i get the same reaction with the few that I've told

Aside from shaking or trembling from anxiety, or looking like I'm paranoid, I'd say I come across as nonchalant - my hubby was ears up but not terribly surprised when I told him about my diagnoses.

sonofsitka - YOU'RE A RIOT! LOL!

No. Most of my friends were surprised and in denial. Which i took as an insult.

Hmmm I havent thought about that too much. ALthough I will say that my boss at my old retaill job diagnosed me before the doctor did. Rox is the coolest boss ever but one day out of the blue she was like I think your bipolar your so up and down all the time. I was mad at first but later realized she was right.

I'm a rebel and an advocate so I feel that disclosing my diagnosis is helpful in reducing stigma.

There is a but. I wouldn't disclose it in a new workplace. After several yrs I talked about it.

High functioning bipolar is very difficult to identify.. I love what you wrote and your describing high functioning bipolar. Most people that are like this will spend over ten years before they figure out the cause.. I had two friends one a doctor and another a lawyer and I did not realize Bipolar in them and I was Bipolar. Today they are somewhat normal with treatment. My doctor friend is now on the impaired physician program and has to be checked weekly. Regardless they maintain a normal life.

One more comment if your lucky it will stay Bipolar 2. Being this alert in Bipolar 1 is more difficult..

Everyone that knows me knows I have bp & most of them say they wouldn't know about it until I'm hypomanic or depressed, then it is noticable that I'm outside social norms.

Most people can't tell I'm BP, I'm quite high functioning. If I do disclose it to someone, they are very surprised. Sometimes that makes me feel like it's all in my head (no pun intended), but then I feel the swings and realize it's not. I'm not what people think of when they think "Oh that person is bipolar." But I am...

In most cases, NO, I don't think people can tell I am bipolar.

Then there are times where I get overly confused and agitated , yea, maybe then