When Did You Come Out With Your Mental Illness?
October 9, 2007 by Alicia Sparks, Mental Health Notes
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Hey folks!
Well, Sunday kicked off Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) – it runs from October 7-13 – and I didn’t mention it because I got all caught up in that total waste-of-time Columbia University study about black homosexuals having coping mechanisms that white homosexuals most likely don’t have.
Well, I did mention it a while back, along with all the other mental health-related things going on in October – but that was in September.
Late start or not, I’d like to dedicate a bit each day to MIAW here at Mental Health Notes, and one of the first things I want to throw out there is a question.
MIAW is obviously geared toward making people more aware of mental illness; however, because of all the stigma that still surrounds mental health problems, many people are hesitant to make their own family members and friends aware of their mental illnesses – despite the number of “awareness” days, weeks, and months we have.
Even if mental health didn’t carry the stigma it does, our closed mouths still wouldn’t be so surprising. Lots of folks who are diagnosed with other health conditions such as cancer and diabetes choose not to tell their families and friends. They don’t want to worry them, or they don’t want a “fuss” made about it.
Of course, to that, I say, “Nonsense!”
Regardless of the type of health problem you have, you should inform your family members and friends. Maybe even co-workers. Sure, you don’t need to rent a billboard or call it in to your local news station, but someone needs to know. It doesn’t need to be shouldn’t be a secret.
Why?
The reasons are obvious, I think. What if you have an episode? Find yourself in a situation dangerous to your mental well-being? Run out of necessary medication?
Who’s going to help you if know one knows you have a problem?
So, now for the question: When, and how, did you come out with your mental illness?
And, if you haven’t yet, what are you waiting for?
I’m interested in reading how similar – and different – your answers are!
Hi Alicia,
Well my friends and family are very helpful… and its always good to share with em..People who are mentally ill should communicate and share their feelings with others, which can help them enormously. They should keep in touch with friends and family members so that they can take help whenever they feel lonely.
They should keep in touch with friends and family members so that they can take help whenever they feel lonely.
That’s a very good point, one that so many of us neglect. It’s so easy to withdraw and lose touch with family members and friends. When that happens, though, who do we have when we’re in trouble?
As soon as I was diagnosed I of course told my husband. I told a few family members, and they were surprised. My support system is not so strong. A lot of people I know think Bipolar is not a big deal and I just need to “suck it up” and my hsband does not and will not take the time to understand it. He thinks I use it as a excuse to be a bitch.
Kiri: And I understand how you must feel because all of that. Sometimes, when things seem really tough and I’m not exactly “composed,” I feel like I’m being looked at as if I think I can act that way (whatever way it is) and get away with it. Like I have a free pass, or something. But I don’t feel that way at all, and I know you don’t, either.
My support system is very small – which can swing both ways as far as being a good or bad thing goes – and does swing both ways for me. My mom, dad, sister, and a non-family member. That’s it. There are two friends I can unload on, but nothing BP-specific.
Out of all the friends and family members I told, only one friend was surprised (or at least, sounded surprised, making comments like, “Really…?”, “Are you sure?”, and “Do you think so?”), and (maybe because of that?) I’ve never felt comfortable talking to her about it. So, she’s kind of the “I need to unload about any problem except my BP, so I’m coming to you” person, ha.