I am open about my bipolar with both family and friends. I have discussed my symptoms with them, and it has struck many interesting conversations. I spoke at my father’s work when I was 16 about mental health and teens, and it was eye-opening for my father. He knew about bipolar already, but he started making an extra effort to help me. I communicate with him about my triggers and what I feel during my episodes. He listens instead of trying to cure me. When people listen, I feel heard. – Olivia, 18, Diagnosed at 15

My family and I communicate much more directly about it now that I’ve moved out. Though I have to make a conscious effort to keep them in the loop since we don’t talk every day, I try to do so because their support is very important to me. My parents still provide a lot of direction on how to navigate healthcare systems (appointments, payments, referrals, and such). My close friends also have the contact information for my parents and vice versa, which helps reassure everyone in case of emergencies. – Louis, 20, Diagnosed at 13

When I was first symptomatic, it was hard for my parents to understand that their daughter could have a serious mental illness and to understand my behavior because it was very different from how I was before onset. My extended family still isn’t sure how to navigate my mental illness, but my immediate family support me so much. I talk to my family a lot and check in with them at least once a day. When I need support, I can always ask them to come and stay with me. I try to share my lived experience as honestly as possible and also work to provide additional resources to help educate my family about bipolar. – Emily, 28, Diagnosed at 16

I am grateful to have a family who has supported me wholeheartedly since day one. Yet, even with all their support, the situation still required a great deal of effort from me to help them understand and differentiate between what they may have read or heard and how it affects me as an individual. Communication in a calm setting has helped me express my feelings and clarify the kinds of help and support I need from my family. This open and understanding dialogue has relieved us all from stresses that arose from mixed signals and miscommunication. – Maya, 27, Diagnosed at age 12

Early on, I found it helpful to have my parents come along to some appointments so that we could all be on the same page and they could get information that they needed in order to help me. This also gave them the opportunity to ask questions to doctors that I might not have thought to ask and get answers straight from professionals instead of through me. As I’ve gotten older, it’s become easier to talk about it casually and provide updates to them if needed.  – Beck, 24, Diagnosed at 17

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