Bipolar disorder is an illness like other medical illnesses. It's not something to be ashamed of. Having said that, it can be emotionally and physically draining for the people around you. Needless to say, having bipolar disease can put a strain on even the best relationships.

Bipolar disorder can really affect sufferers' relationships. Every single relationship they have will be affected whether it is an intimate relationship, a parental relationship, or a friendship.

Some people who suffer from the condition say they get pretty argumentative. They suffer from extreme irritability and that causes them to lash out and to unknowingly hurt the people around them. Often sufferers are too ashamed to tell the people they love what they are going through. They feel that if they do, their loved ones will think less of them. That fear sometimes causes them to keep the condition a secret for as long as they possibly can. But keeping your condition a secret from people close to you may not be the best thing to do. You may find it helpful if your trusted friends and family know what you're going through.

People you choose to tell about your illness will need to learn a little about the disorder and its wide array of emotional behaviors, from deep lows to full-throttle mania. The most important thing to do is educate those friends and family members about your illness. You’ll also want to create a "circle of care team," made up of your most important relationships and preferred health providers. These people will be able to support you when you need it, and encourage you to get help when your treatments don't seem to be working.