hiding mental illness

LegacyUser

Hi I was diagnosed with a mental illness last year. I am very embarrassed about it and finding it hard to cope. I am getting treatment for it but going through a very hard time at the moment. Some of the symptoms are truely scary and I am scared. The problem is I haven't told anyone about it bar one friend. If I told anyone I would be afraid they would think I am mad or wouldn't understand. I am afraid that they would see me differently. My family have copped on something is wrong and keep asking am I o.k. One of my family members is hassling me to the point of aggression to tell them what is going on and I am so scared to say it. I don't know what to do. Should I continue as I am where I feel more comfortable with nobody knowing, or should I tell them to get them off my back?

One More Toy

hidingit wrote: »

Hi I was diagnosed with a mental illness last year. I am very embarrassed about it and finding it hard to cope. I am getting treatment for it but going through a very hard time at the moment. Some of the symptoms are truely scary and I am scared. The problem is I haven't told anyone about it bar one friend. If I told anyone I would be afraid they would think I am mad or wouldn't understand. I am afraid that they would see me differently. My family have copped on something is wrong and keep asking am I o.k. One of my family members is hassling me to the point of aggression to tell them what is going on and I am so scared to say it. I don't know what to do. Should I continue as I am where I feel more comfortable with nobody knowing, or should I tell them to get them off my back?

There's no need to hide it, if you had the flu or any other illness would you hide it? Sit them down and explain it, it will lessen the burden on you!

intheclouds

I hate to say it, but YOU are stigmatising it.

Theres no problem saying you have mental health issues. Particularly as you are actually being treated for them!

Theres also no problem not saying it, but if keeping it a secret is stressing you out then why would you subject yourself to that?

No one will think you are mad.

Acara

OP it is not important what others think of you. You should be so proud that you have handled this so well and got the help you needed.

KikiDee

Hey OP,

A lot of mis conceptions about mental health come from ignorance. People don't know enough about various illnesses and just make assumptions. Your diagnosis is a part of you. Your family and friends will love and help you. You've been so brave so keep going with the courage. Make your family aware of mental health issues, it doesn't need to be specific.

Chin up buttercup

Firstly I'd forget the idea nobody knows because those who have spent time with you know there is a problem but they will come to their own conclusions on what the problem is.

You need to allow your family to help you because it's hard to get better on your own.

My wife has schizoaffective disorder and has at times been sectioned and treated in the same hospital she works in.

I would advise you to talk about your feelings as much as you can, the more you talk the easier it becomes and the less hold your illness will have.

The more you talk the better understanding those around will have and can be impowered to help you.

The worst part for me at the start watching my wife was the effect of stigma which is funny because it doesn't really exist because nobody really cares. She'd spend all day worrying about the village seeing the physical aspects of her illness after spending months in hospital but once she was brave enough to face mass and go to the local shop she found the village very supportive and she became stronger because of it.

I know what you face is daunting but you can overcome, when my wife was first diagnosed she didn't know me or our daughter for many months as she went deep into herself but now she is a full time public health nurse.

One of the first steps in getting better was self expectance and allowing those closest to give the love and support that's needed, good luck, Gary.