Should I be embarrassed to tell people I'm Bipolar?

Question

I'm 21 years old. I have had Bipolar for 11 years. I feel embarrased to tell people that I have Bipolar. Everytime I get into a good dating thing, I tend to not tell them. They don't notice, till I have an eposide. I hate having one, because I start to cry on phones and ask a friend to take me tot he hopstial. People tell me all the time, not to be embarrased to have Bipolar. I can't just walk up to people and say, "Hay, you like me a lot, and I like you. Oh, I got Bipolar buy the way," What kind of ways should I put this, and when would it be good times to tell people?

Answer 1

Hey, it's no one's business but your own. The best thing I've done is find a good therapist and stick to my meds. It's not easy and it takes a lot of will power. The best time to tell is when you find yourself getting serious about the person not when you have an epsiode. It's no one's business but your own. I'm MDI, a mom and a full time student on a double major with a year to go and I live a great life.

Answer 2

Hi Tickle Me. I have the same problem and I struggle with it too. It's definitely something that you want to save for later. But at the same time, you don't want to wait too long and be accused of being dishonest or withholding vital info. There doesn't seem to be any set time. I used to have a friend that would tell a potential mate everything on the first meeting, chasing off all the good guys because the only ones that hung around were weird. On the other hand, if you really like the guy, I wouldn't wait too long...a couple of months I guess.

As for being embarrassed, don't be. You have a medical condition. It's no different than diabetes or epilepsy. You didn't mention whether or not you're medicated. If not, you may want to consider a mood stabilizer. The right one will keep you from bottoming out and should result in less trips to the hospital.

Answer 3

That's a tricky question. I would say to be honest about it with people who are close to you, ie:, friends, dates, family, etc.. I wouldn't tell others though and I would be careful about saying anything to potential employers or others in a position to deny you something that you want. I would be careful too in how you present bipolarism to dates or potential partners as you may very well scare them off. I would wait until you are into the relationship for a while before bringing the subject up - slowly - to see how they feel about mental disorders in general.

I certainly feel that you have nothing to be ashamed of. Many people suffer with depression, anxiety and other mental disorders. There is a difference though between being honset and being too honest. There may always be a stigma associated with mental disease and some people still are afraid of it and what could happen.

Also, bipolar disease is kind of the "disease of the week" right now and might put someone off who might think that you are trying to mask bad behavior or trying to gain attention. I would think that dating would be the most sensitive situation and the one that matters the most. I, myself, suffer with anxiety, so I understand your dilemma.

I have been living with the love of my life for tha last year, but I waited until I was having a panic attack to really emphasize to him how badly my anxiety controls me. Fortunately, he understands and helps me calm down when I am panicked, but I worry sometimes that he thinks less of me for being weak this way as I appear strong and in control most of the time. I know in my heart that I can't control it, but I still worry that people are put off by it when they find out.

You must be worried too. I guess my only insight would be that if someone truly loves you, they will try to understand and help rather than question your motives.

Good luck and God bless!

Answer 4

being bipolar is like having a diabetes. u need to take meds to control the mood swings.and some therapy and support groups too. take your meds to limit or prevent those breakdowns. you don't have to be embarrassed that you have bipolar. most people have it and most of the people who have it are not aware that they have bipolar. count yourself lucky because you know your condition. so, you know what to do about it and what it can do to your relationships if you dont take care of the condition. if you take your meds and the recommended therapy, everything will go well.

Answer 5

Just like when you tell someone something else about your personality like what kind of movies you like...my being bipolar is just a part of who I am...take it or leave it.

Answer 6

i have bi polar type 1 disorder and to tell you the TRUTH I'm having MANIA right now.it's not fun my mind is going to fast!it even took me a second to spell fast!I'm 17 going to be 18 may 9,2007i also have schizophrenia and ocd and i LOTT more disorders.tell them that you have bipolar it will make you feel better.

Answer 7

I wouldn't be embarressed but I wouldn't keep it from someone. You should tell them even though there is a good chance they won't want to be with you afterward. I wouldn't date a bipolar man(my ex husband was) and I wouldn't want to go through all that crap again. Good luck , take your meds and get more confidence in yourself!

Answer 8

No you shouldn't feel embarrassed but I would wait until you trust someone before I told them - not that you should be ashamed but because people are ignorant and judgmental

Answer 9

Sorry. It will probably be difficult to find someone that will deal with your affliction these days. I have a friend who is bi-polar and he can be very difficult to deal with at times. Best of luck to you!:-)=