Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Something to hide

heretic
heretic
I've had a few encounters with the unenlightened lately and leads me to thinking that I should keep the fact I have Bipolar hidden better. It would be nice to be able to openly share and find understanding but in average social settings that just isn't how it works.
I can't explain to people when my meds are affecting me strangely because that would lead to wondering what I take and why. When I let someone know I have bipolar they forever look at me differently. What I say and what I think are discounted because I have this illness.
Just feeling the strain of it and wanted to vent - thanks for listening.
tommymott
tommymott
I understand, but it's good for all of us to protect ourselves from insensitve types. I don't tell anyone unless I'm very sure they're a good friend. Trouble is, we only find out over time so I pretty much stick to not telling. After all, that's what DS is for!
heretic
heretic
Yeah, you're right tommymott, and dealing with people who don't understand just makes me appreciate DS all the more...
deleted_user
deleted_user
I hear ya, heretic. Telling people is just Risky. :/
gmason
gmason
I go back and forth. Right now I've been a coming out mood. Its fine until I have a bad experience, then I go back into the BP closet.
deleted_user
deleted_user
i don't really tell anyone, and i squirm when the subject comes up.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have always been a open book. And keeping my bp a secret is so hard. Especially whenever I don't feel well and or have to explain my actions. I think it might be one of reasons I do not like to go and make friends. When I meet someone who I would like to be my friend I hold back. I don't want to go through the hurt and rumors they can cause. It could just be me I don't know. Although I agree having DS to turn to really makes things easier because we all have the similar things happen that we can relate to one another.

I also feel that being open or closed about being bp is a personal choice. One that involves so matter factors like where you live/age/people you associate with/one's own stability/the list goes on. I wish that we could all be open about it. That it would be treated just like any other illness without the stigma that it holds.