Do I have to tell others?

Bipolar affects every aspect of your life and your relationships, family and friends can all be put under stress.

To understand how bipolar affects you, and to manage the illness, you will need support. If you can speak to a family member, partner or close friend as this will assist you.

As part of your support network it's ideal if family members and loved ones can be involved in planning treatment. It can also help you if mental health professionals can consult them (unless you don't want them to).

Other questions in this section focus on when you might consider telling others outside of your immediate family and friends.