How many people know?

[bananacrepe]

Sorry for starting another thread - feel like I've done a few lately! I just have so many questions and have nobody to talk to in RL apart from DH - who is brilliant, just doesn't understand bless him. (not for want of trying)

I've just been signed off for three weeks because of depression and anxiety and I don't know what to tell work. I don't mind the head teacher knowing as I think she'll be understanding but I don't know what to tell my immediate boss as I think he'll just think I'm being pathetic and too stressed by school. It exacerbates the situation rather a lot, hence being signed off, but I don't think it's the root cause (I don't know what is).

So, my question is, how many people know about your illness, what have you told them, and what reaction have you got from people?

An awful lot of people do. Because I'm one of those people who think mental health is far too stigmatised and hope that by telling people I've been ill I can help change that a little. The feelings around being ill, and the distress, have been saved for a select few friends. But the facts I am more open about.

By the way my PTSD episode (too 3 years to be fully better) has spanned 2 employers both in the not-for-profit legal sector and both have been excellent.

Especially my current director who said 'Don't get me wrong I need you back, but I need you well first'. Fab.

Everyone that asks me or seems to want ti know. I dont shout it from the roof tops but everyone in my family and friends who knew I took time off work all know.

I have nothing to hide or be ashamed of and neither do you.

There reaction has been mixed, some have laughter because I work with mental health and find it ironic, most have been supportive and those that don't get it, I don't need them. They can believe what they want (only 1 comes to mind).