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How to disclose your diagnosis?
Hi everyone,
I live with bipolar disorder (among other illnesses …). I was diagnosed 4+ years ago but have probably had it for 20+ years.
I have a very difficult time telling people about this. I find that very few people are supportive or care, and many are judgmental.
I hate walking around with this secret, but I also don’t want to hear the tired old “have you tried…” or “I have a friend that did this …” or “like Kanye?!?”
There is still a lot of stigma, including around the treatments like ketamine or ECT.
Have you had good experiences telling people? I feel like I’ve been waiting to be “better” and I’m not sure that will ever happen.
Thanks for sharing what worked (or didn’t) for you. I don’t know anyone else with bipolar.
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Consider this.
If disclosing any diagnosis causes any person in your life to avoid you or to feel uncomfortable around you: why would you want them in your life or to be around you anyway?
Disclosing a diagnosis can be seen as a way to filter people out of your life. People you don't need in your life.
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3 Reactions@ashleyharris728 Well, my first response was, do you need to tell anyone? Choose who you'd like to share with, who you feel will be there for you. Not everyone needs to know everything about you. And as you live with your diagnosis, and travel along your own journey, you may find those who will support you no matter what. As @slarson14 alluded to, you want the people around you to be there in support.
I understand the dilemma you find yourself in. Please be gentle on yourself.
Ginger
@slarson14 @gingerw totally agree that not everyone needs to know. I do not share this at work for example. And there are certainly friends that I can do without, I don’t need judgemental people in my life. However it gets awkward making excuses about appointments, masking my symptoms, or just feeling totally inauthentic. Even though I’m not close with my family, it feels weird not sharing something that feels very central to my life. I don’t know other people with this disorder so I often feel like I’m hiding this secret all alone.
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1 Reaction@ashleyharris728 Share what you are comfortable with sharing. You don't necessarily need to tell everybody everything. You may find that after you have shared little bits and pieces, there are some people who will step up and be there for you. And then you can share more as you're comfortable with. It's a difficult situation, I know. But you got this!
Ginger
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1 ReactionRealize that you are “sick not weak “ It’s getting better but we still have a ways to go to see the stigma with mental health disappear. Make sure to confide in people that are true friends and don’t worry about the ones that judge you. Ignorant people will always exist but they have their own issues. Make sure you get a good therapist or doctor and realize you are doing your best. Believe in yourself and keep pushing forward. Be strong 💪