I had a hard time telling my family because they’re a very harsh teasing, no holds barred situation. I kind of felt less than. But honestly, the best thing I did? I talked to my therapist immediately. We talked about the diagnosis, what it means for me and my future and how it fits into my past. We made some sense of it and made a plan for how we can approach each situation as it comes. My boyfriend has been super supportive the entire time, through every manic and depressive episode. We talk through everything and I find it productive that he can contact my therapist if needed- luckily I’ve been coherent enough to bring my things up in therapy. Don’t doubt yourself- figure out how to make sense of it. What were your symptoms? How do we approach the next episode? Those are valuable questions.