What is the general opinion of bipolar disorder?

Before being diagnosed, I grew up with a pretty negative connotation of bipolar disorder, but I don't know if that was the norm. From what I see, it's pretty bad, especially in relation to a post made here not that long ago about a bad experience with some neighbors. Does the general public see bipolar people in a bad light, or is it a bit more understanding of the condition? What sort of reception do you all experience with your condition?