Need Advice
 

I contacted my local tv station and asked them to recognize that March 1 is Self Injury Awareness Day during one of their broadcasts. They want to do a full story on it and interview me and my therapist (or a specialist in SI). No one in my neighborhood or my childrens schools knows that I SI or that I am bipolar. I am nervous about how they will all treat me and my family (especially my children) if they found out. I know this could bring attention and education about this to the people who dont understand, and maybe hope to people who SI. Should I do this interview knowing that? What would you say to people if it became an issue with them? Any advice on this would be soooo greatly appreciated.

First of all, well done for taking the initiative to contact your tv station! Is there any way you could do the interview anonymously(sp?)? That would mean that you could help raise awareness without having to 'come out' as it were.

In a perfect world they wouldn't treat you or your children any differently, but we all know it's not a perfect world. Hopefully people will at the very least realize that your children aren't affected by this--as in, do not suffer from the same problems just because you do. Anonymity is one way to go, but if you have a good support system within your friends and family, what better way to get the word out than with them? Maybe they could interview your friends, kids(if they're old enough), husband(or s/o) as well on how they've helped you cope? Or at least even if they only interview you, have a good support system to back you up on your "coming out".
A friend of mine told my youth group about his BPD about a year ago. We were all very surprised but the majority of us didn't treat him any differently (we're all teens ages 14-18). I personally wanted to learn more and he was perfectly willing to answer my questions. My feeling is, if someone I'm close to is coping with something like that, the more I know about it, the more I can help. Maybe if you provide lots of info for the community they will know how to support you--and you never know, you could change a life.
Good luck!

It's brilliant that you are considering this, and it shows what a brave person yu are. On some tv programs they interview people in the dark, so that no one can see your face. Actors voices are also sometimes used.
I believe you should talk to your children (Depending on age) if they think you should do it. Explain to them that they might have some negative reactions, and see what they think. Young children can be more sensative that you think, and can have great advice.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck xx