How to get help when you don't appear "sick"?

A "little" rant before I attempt to help: I'm type I, and was in the same boat as you until I was 19/20 or so. I would cycle so often, and keep hidden when I was so down, that either nobody would know what was wrong, or nobody would think it was serious, and that I was simply being "dramatic". That, or people outside of my family wouldn't know how to respond to such pure and extreme sadness. In retrospect, I can't fault them - its a tough thing to react to - seeing a loved one so down they're unable to enjoy day-to-day activities they usually beam about- especially when you can't comprehend why that person is that way.

One day, 8 years ago, I had an epiphany of sorts - where I simply decided to stop keeping it inside. I had been silent my whole life, and I stopped caring about the stigma of mental health. I was on the phone with my mom (always very supportive), and after about 3 minutes of me being silent, I said very quietly and almost-to-myself, "I need to go on medication", which changed everything. The medication itself wasn't for me, after 3 years of trial and error with various combinations, I decided (agreed upon by my doctors) that I had an intelligent-enough handle on my own condition to recognize my triggers, and how to cope with my mania and depression. But what that whole ordeal did do, is teach me that it's okay to talk about, and its not shameful. It isnt our fault for being this way. Its nobody's fault. It's simply another topic of discussion for those with an open mind.

Since that day, I never hide my condition. It's who I am, and in keeping silent about my problems or issues not only will slow my own progress of betterment, but will hinder others' understanding and harm existing relationships.

The thing I try tell myself now when I get down and can't climb out of it, is "You're never alone." I have a family and friends I can talk to if I feel far away, physically or mentally. I live with an amazing woman who accepts me for who I am, and loves me because of me, and is willing to spend all day in bed hugging me in silence if that's what it takes for me to remember my worth.

If you feel worthless, tell someone (who cares to help) and tell them why. If you feel full of energy and like spending all the Christmas money on a trip to the Caribbean, tell someone (who cares to listen), and chances are they'll try make you realize you're being manic, or at the least "very, very silly".

There was a day where I'd have scoffed at my own advice, and I'm sure a lot who read this will. All I know is what has worked for me, and hope like hell that I can even attempt to empower others to not only feel good about ones self despite their self, but to feel okay in openly talking about how they feel to those in their lives.

Keep in mind that not everyone will be immediately accepting as assholes exist everywhere, but be strong in knowing that it only makes them appear weak, not you.

I truly hope you get the help you require and deserve, be it medication, or communication and realization.

/r/BipolarReddit Thread