would tell friends that your bipolor?

[mick909]

Im afraid it would put most people off...and what are some good meds?

[paranoid_cataclysm]

Wow I didn't know Medhelp even kept posts this old.  I'm pretty open about having mental illness although it's not like I just run up to people I don't even know or even people I know for that matter and tell them.  I haven't been diagnosed with bipolar disorder but have another stigmatized one which is clinically related.  I have a lot of charisma I guess and some people even argue with me saying I can't have what I have.  I just figure if I hide it in fear it's going to be a hinderance in slowly trying to get rid of the stigma associated with mental illness.  Some people can also tell I have mental illness just by some of the things I write and say.

[Alex_X_18]

I've tried explaining it to others in the past and for every 10 people
don't know where your going through you'll get one who understands
nowdays I try to keep it totaly seprate from my friends and anyone I haven't known for a very long time
I try my best to weigh the situation asking myself
would they understand???
If the answer is no then I don't say anything
becuase thats generally not a good idea


.

[DLA]

I use to try and keep it a secret b/c my parents made me feel ashamed about it, but now any more.  The more we keep it a secret the more people don't understand it.  

The only time it's brought out in the media is when some famous person goes off their meds and gets into major trouble or something.  There needs to be an awareness about it that I think we help perpetuate b/c we don't tell people we are.

I'm like Crystlas.  When people talk about the crazy things I use to do and how much "fun" they thought I was when risking my life or such I just say "Yeah, that was before the meds."  

People do react funny at first sometimes, but I just explain to them that I also don't have all the horrid depressions any more that kept me from participating in life and then most of them are okay with it.

I also explain the chemical imbalance in my body that causes it and that it is just like being diabetic.  No big deal.

Can't help you with the meds either.  I only need antidepressants and I have been thru almost all of them trying to find one that works best for me.

Good luck and be proud!  =)

[Barb925]

I agree with Dove if they are truely your friends they will understand and accept that you have an illness.

Meds, well I'm not the best peson to ask LOL. I have been on a few different ones. You need to just see what your dr feels will be the most beneficial.

Good Luck

[dove3053]

Not to make a joke of it but my friends refer to me as bipolar all the time and I just laugh. Truth of it is I do fit the profile.

I look and act normal as long as I have not been drinking or doing drugs. That's when it kicks in real bad.

If they are your friends they will understand, if not who need them.

Dove

[crzychick]

I'm a pretty outspoken person, shoot from the hip.  I told friends right from the start.  Felt good to finally have an explanation for my "crazy" antics.

Then because of the weight gain from the meds there have been the insensitive ppl that say "boy you have put on weight" and I say "yeah it's my meds" when they ask what kind I tell them "Lithium for Bipolar" and say it like I'm proud.  LOL.  

Shut em right up.  Sometimes you can have fun being BP.   Plus if you say up front they can't say it behind your back.

[actress37]

I was so happy to finally find out what was going on with me, that during a hypo-manic phase (before meds)  I told a few people that were really only aquaintances and it really should have not been any of their business.  I can not verify it, but i am pretty positive that there is a general feeling among a good majority of the people that i know, that I have a "problem".  Word got around about my bi-polar and there has been a noticeable shift in how friendly or unfriendly people are to me.  I regret having said anything, mainly the vast majority of people have a stigma of bipolar disorder being that you cannot handle yourself and to stay away.  Even people who are close to me who I decided to tell have a hard time understanding.  If and when you do tell your friends make sure you give them all the information on your type of bipolar and the special little quirks that you might have that are only associated with you and not everyone with bipolar.  You'll then find out who your true friends are.

[shawn47]

Hi mick909 -- I've told only a couple of close friends and there was a kind of adjustment period for them.  But after the awkwardness, it's like talking about things that are more normal.  No biggie.  But i don't tell everyone i know.  I don't tell anyone i don't trust.

Good meds are totally relative.  What's good for me may not be good for you, and vice versa.  You might have a period of trial and error with your meds, which is okay.  That's to be expected!  shawn