Do you hide the fact that you have a mental health...

[nickywireobsessive]

...problem? I know I have had to for many years..... due to the stigma attached to mental illness. How have you dealt with having a mental illness - do you find it easy to tell people? Have you been shunned by your family because of it? Any stories/experiences/views greatly appreciated.

[tommybear45]

i tell Everyonei use it as an excusewhen i'm Manic I'll say Anything

[sinwalk2]

yes I hide the fact, i dont tell people i have suffered with depression

[Storm Chaser UK]

Yes I do, my close friends and family who know how bad I am I tend not to hide it from, but to others I tend to hide it. They don't need to know the ins and outs of everything in my life. People can either accept me for what I am or I don't want to know them.

[alkyde]

it depends on the person. some people understand and some don't and never will. you need to feel the person out before giving that kind of info

[the_boho_hobo]

My family just keep telling me to get over it and get back to work and that I should stop taking the tablets. Easier said than done with my condition (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and bi-polar disorder). So I now live 300 miles away from them. Everyone here where I live knows my mental health status as I don't give a monkeys anymore what people think. It's great because people now don't tip toe around me. It also helps that I have a lot of friends with MH problems.We are all in the same boat, just not necessarily paddling in the same direction.

[mintycakeyfroggy]

I was terrified to tell my family but they were all ok with it in the end. In terms of friends it was harder a lot of people didn't understand that it was actually a medical thing not just feeling a bit down. I was at work and was feeling unwell due to changing medication I couldn't really explain why because I doubt they'd understand but kept saying what's the medication for in the end I just said oh something I've had for a long time.

[Toni f]

If the subject comes up i tell people that i have had a problem.But what i hate is people who keep going on about it, as if they can put all their persicution of others down to it

[Dodie]

People do not understand what they cannot see.If you stick a plaster on your hand (or wherever is visible) you will get asked what is wrong with you, and sympathy because people can see what is wrong - well sort of.With any other problem, not only mental illness (whether that be depression or another problem) people cannot understand, as they cannot 'see' it. Which is why nowadays it is good that these types of problems are talked about more, so people CAN understand, which in turn should mean you lose your necessity to hide it.Hope this helps a little.God bless. xxx

[peeled_turtle]

I believe that now is a time, more than any time in hostory, when mental and emotional problems are accepted and often even embraced. It's better to be open about it to those who love you.

[demonmish]

i found that the increasing amount of "depression" that everyone has nowadays has made it difficult for people to understand it in me. i get people say well everyone gets depressed sometimes and the like... it makes it harder for me to tell people that it might be the reason i'm a bit off with them or that it's the real reason i had to have a couple of days off work because i got so down i couldnt face leaving my room let alone facing people at work. my family don't quite understand but are supportive of me.. though i do live a fair distance away so that makes it easier as they never see me at my worse. my husband is the most supportive man in the world as far as i'm concerned. there have been times when i haven't known how i'd have coped without him. thankfully though i'm not as bad anymore and though serious it isn't always a particularily noticable illness.. it can be hidden

[Alethea J]

From most people, I do hide the fact that I have mental health problems. I finally had to tell my parents when I was forced into the hospital for suicidal thoughts and such. My family still does not understand, they think that I can just will these issues away. I find it better to talk to people who have experienced mental illness and are in the process of recovery. They understand what I'm going through and can provide helpful support. I hope that one day people will realize that mental illness is a disease, just like diabetes or heart disease, and there will no longer be such a negative stigma.

[nursecracker]

I don't find it that difficult to let people know i have a mental illness... but i don't "advertise" it.. my friends know, and my family does, also.If i can help someone else with a mental health issue, i will do what i can to be supportive... and give advice if i am asked. I have been dealing with these things for over 25 years, so i'm no stranger to learning how to cope (over and over again, i might add).YES my family is in denial about my illness, and that is their problem. My past behaviors, because my illness was left untreated (hospitalized even because of the medications i took) when i was a younger person... My sisters shunned me, then they'd get in touch.. back and forth with that. Finally i decided that they need to face their own realities, and to protect my own emotional well-being, i just cut ties. My father abused me when i was a child and into my 20's... he was probably the direct result of most of my "issues". It was necessary for me to sever all ties with him, as well.My life is better for the fact that i'm protecting myself. Many people are not willing to accept our illnesses, and treat us in an unkind manner because of it. I'm working on ME and my recovery. I hope things work out well for you, too, hon! I have listed a mental health forums website below. You are welcome to join. We are a small group of caring individuals and would love to welcome a new guest or member!

[I ate the fish!]

I hide it from my family,but that is only because they see me as an essentially happy person,and I have no wish to disillusion them!Some of my close friends know,when I'm depressed Its very hard to hide it from the more perceptive of them.Sometimes people find out (especially about the selfharm) by accident,and then I usually admit it.

[NeitherHereNorThere]

I've been really lucky on one hand because i have really understanding friends and my family are in the mental health field of nursing. In my teens it was hard for my friends to understand but they do now and i've been the way i am for so long that i no longer hide it. My friends are still there no matter what i've gone through and i don't have to hide it. On the other hand it is really hard to accept treatment because on one of my psych assessments the psych said are you reluctant to talk because of your dad? that stunned me and then he went on to say that he didn't know him personally but it was just that someone else recognised my name. My trust with professionals was then scarred.

[Suite-Pee]

I used to, but it became impossible, so now I tell everyone...I announce it at parties. It's a good conversational starter, and it gets the nasty bit out of the way first which saves awkward questions later.I also use it as an excuse in school occasionally.

[hairdo]

Theres no point in hiding it

[arniesmum]

i tell people on a need to know basis if you dont to know i dont tell you

[wild_wister]

I try to hide my epilepsy, but that ******** manages to make itself public some how. then I get sad.

[jenijenjen814]

No I was not shunned..They are very supportive..I am very greatful for that!! I see 2 therapists, an ARNP for meds. I will share: I have been diagnosed since I was 18, but went un diagnosed before that. I am 25 now and I had to seek help on my own. I told my dr how I was feeling and we strated med treatment right away.....It has taken a while but I am finally on the right cocktail!! I am in therapy 2x a month sometimes more if I need it..I have great support from them. As for telling people about me having a mental illness..it's strictly on a need to know basis. any more questions you may contact me.