Who knows your diagnosis? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

Bunnylover · 05-04-2008, 01:50 PM

I'm curious, if people want to share, who in real life knows your diagnosis? Maybe because I'm newly diagnosed, but I'm very nervous about people finding out, especially at work, and haven't really told anyone but my family and one close friend. Which is funny, because I was always really open about depression/anxiety issues, but some how bipolar seems much more stigmatized than those disorders.

katlin09 · 05-04-2008, 04:22 PM

Bunny,

You're very correct there is a greater stigmatism that comes with a BP diagnosis. I've only told one person at work who is a close friend, my immediate family (for safety reasons), my doc's (for obvious reasons) and one other close friend. I just don't think it's something that everyone needs to know.

CarenR · 05-05-2008, 09:04 AM

only my two grown daughters. know about my diagnosis....I am a widow

I havent told friends about it... but some of my behavior. might make them wonder if I am depressed.. I belong to the Red Hat Soceity group. and sometimes I miss our get togethers....... The Queen of our group knew I was hospitalized in 2006. but not what for... She did ask me what medication I take but didnt answer... sometimes people are afraid of Bipolar so best not to tell too soon....

I think that people need to earn our trust before we tell. them...

hugs, Caren

savvy traveller · 05-05-2008, 02:45 PM

now that i think about it, i was quick to tell too many people about my diagnosis. perhaps i was talkative. my immediate family members all know because they all tried to visit me in the hospital last year. my closest friends know because i share everything with them and they understand me deeper and better than i know myself (sometimes). two of my coworkers know - one is dealing with depression and another had a son commit suicide before he was diagnosed.

MUDSKIP · 05-08-2008, 10:59 AM

Bunny, I was diagnosed with Depression 15 years ago and have never been able to stay off the meds. I tried last year one last time to go off and was of course unsuccessful. This time, I tried a different Dr. and was told it was Bipolar 2. ANYWAY, who knows of my diagnosis? No one except for my husband and one best friend. However, I think that it depends on you. For example, I could never tell any of my sisters but someone else maybe close and comfortable telling their family. I just don't like to talk about it because I don't think anyone could truly understand unless they have gone through this. I know this much. I guess I will be on meds for the rest of my life. Anyway, I understand you skeptism of telling others. Mudskip