Since Stella is your best friend and such an important person in your life I can totally understand you feeling the need for her to understand bipolar disorder. It's so hard when we're suffering and someone so close to us doesn't get it and they pass judgement on us… but you may be fighting a losing battle trying to get her to understand.

My husband understands a little more about bipolar disorder and understands how serious it is because of everything I've been through. Even though he knows I was misdiagnosed and on the wrong meds, because I'm better now he actually that sees it is evidence that I could have changed earlier if I wanted to. It makes no sense, but that's what he believes. I try to avoid the subject. It's like talking to a wall.

Some people may just never understand and we have to find a way to make peace with that no matter how hard it is for us. Your best bet is to accept the fact that your friend is not going to get it, but find a way to convince her you do not need or want her unsolicited advice about your lifestyle because it is extremely hurtful and good friends do not hurt one another in that way… they love one another for who and what they are…

I love you Bobby, and I wish you didn't have to go through this