How to disclose your diagnosis?

Posted by ashleyharris728 @ashleyharris728, 11 hours ago

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.

slarson14 | @slarson14 | 9 hours ago

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.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | 9 hours ago

@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