You’ve just struck up a conversation with another member of your exercise class. You’ve spotted that gorgeous woman you’ll ask out when you get up the nerve. You’ve recently had a new coworker assigned to your cubicle hub. You have new people in your life that you hope or have to get to know better. At what point, if at all, should you bring up the topic of bipolar disorder? How do you discuss that you have a mental illness? I recently had this discussion with a group of friends because one of them had a great experience with sharing about her diagnosis. I thought this would be encouraging and give some insight for all of us when we are in these situations.

She says, “I met this handsome man and I told him my story about my illness. I educated him on what it was and what it meant. I told him my accomplishments and how I had to rebuild my life, etc. When we left, I thought he was going to ask for my phone number. He didn't.

“My sister said, 'You expected him to ask for your number after you told him you had a mental illness?' And then she sarcastically added, 'You should at least wait until your second or third date.'

“Well, I went into my email today and there was an email from him inviting me to go with him to an event and he included his cell phone number. I called him and we now have a date for coffee.

“Yay for the educational approach. It has worked every time for me in my career and in my social life.”

This has worked out well for my friend. What have your experiences been?

~Kimberly