I wouldn't say it right off the bat. But since you already told him, wait for him to bring it up. Just enjoy the date as best as you can. As you get closer, if you do, then further information can be let out concerning your illness. JMO

I have the same problem. I have met a woman who has made some disapproving remarks and tone about the mentally ill....otherwise we have gotten along fine and happily, but I am going to have to ask her/tell her sometime soon. The strategy is to let the other person to get to know you before you reveal this information, in the hope that their liking you will overcome their fear of mental illness. It is a tragic and maddening part of being mentally ill and it is especially bad since Newtown. On the one hand people are more afraid of us and on the other, more people are speaking out at the inadequate treatment of the mentally ill, something that could have prevented a horror such as Newtown...we're stuck in the middle....MaxH

My husband and I met while I was manic. He thought that was just me. Then I hit rock bottom with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder and he nearly fell apart. We sat down and I explained my condition - schizoaffective disorder. He asked what he could do to help!! People surprise you sometimes -- maybe like Baaaad said : just wait for him to bring it up.

I shoot for a gentle, open honesty.

Gentle because it is tough stuff. Forcing it or taking in too much at once is rough on the digestion. I back off at the first hiccup. I monitor my control issues. I don't get to decide how much somebody else can handle in one sitting, nor how they SHOULD react, nor how long it SHOULD take them to process any given piece of the puzzle.

Open so that the details can filter naturally through the getting to know you dialogue and small talk.

Honest just because the truth is so-o-o much easier to keep track of. I am confused enough without needing to keep up with multiple versions of the details of my life.

New relationships are like Forest Gump's box of chocolates. Above all, treat it like an adventure into the unknown. Small steps.

honestly, until the relationship had proceeded to the point of a `sleep over' (where she'd see all the pill bottles on my night table), i don't think i'd bring it up.

I AGREE, I WOULDN'T BRING IT UP. IF HE STARTS ASKING QUESTIONS THEN OF COURSE I WOULD ANSWER THEM. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR DATE.

Well, I couldn't handle keeping it secret from this woman I just met because she sort of made some unkind remarks about the mentally ill....then I posted my history on this "regular people" dating site because I'm sick of hiding it....it is just not worth it.. All my best friends know and it makes it so much easier to be friends with them compared to the egg shells I have to walk on with people who don't know...this is my latest conclusion...

I agree to first get to know the person then tell them about your mentall illness. If they're nice they'll be compassionate for you rather than judgemental.

I would be comfortable in my own skin. The way i do that is to not label myself. Our minds, and our individuality is far to complex to genaralize with a disabling label like shcizoeffective. Face the problem. Scare the fear to death that is in your face. Thats what id do. The problem might not go away, but dont feel bad...and no matter what never lose your dignity.