I guess I would, so they could do research and support me. Or to help explain, years I acted REALLY badly - even though they have some crappy issues, my bipolar really allowed me to not try and control myself.

Now they didn't learn anything, and kinda judge me badly - but oh well, at least I have an excuse - they are just assholes!

Why wouldn't you tell them is what interest me - is there someone with a worse relationship with parents then ME? LOL

I would tell them only if there was some compelling reason to. I would not tell them if you have no violent tendencies. Or, if you have violent tendencies and are medicated and are fine, don't tell them. If you are off meds, for whatever reason, like you lost benefits, then you have to tell them.
You may have a close relationship with them but remember, anything that is unknown and unfamiliar to people around you, generally makes them uncomfortable. They may even treat you differently after telling them . My mom didn't but I can tell you that family members like cousins did, after finding out about me. All of a sudden, my opinion about anything did not matter. Do not tell them unless they are in danger or unless you must explain some wierd behavior and they are already uncomfortable with you anyway,
Get support on here, from a therapist and from friends.

I'm very open with it and am comfortable in being so... however some people want to educate themselves and be supportive and some don't .. Know that going in..
We live with the stigma unfortunately...

favorite if you re post this under the 'general bipolar' category a lot more people will see it and respond.. People don't come up to off topic posts too often...x

No.

My dad is estranged from me and their house has bad hygeine and there are health problems.

haven't told many people...mom and sis included in that list. my hubby knows, my kids don't, my best friend knows and about 3 other people in my circle. no one needs to know. I am fairly stable so others don't notice a change in me. it works for me