Do you think families and friends can enable a person to stay depressed?

If you don’t mind reading, the question is a little deeper than the title.

I was diagnosed bipolar in March last year. The only people who know are a neighbour (who now avoids me) a friend I hardly see and my son who just thinks that means “bonkers” so we never discuss it.

My office does not know. So for the most part because no one knows, nor cares, I think this has helped me. Simply because I do all the things required of me (daily) well most things I have very bad days, periods. I never use my illness to gain (maybe some attention) as I do feel sorry for myself at times, I also don’t have any “excuses” if I take off at someone at work for example. I am accountable like any other person.

Perhaps someone with caring family and friends, would make excuses for one, and in a way “encourage” the illness to take hold even more, and subsequent self defeating behaviours? I am also not medicated currently.

This can apply to any disorders. addictions, issues of course. What is your take on this?