How open are you about MH issues?

[tiggersdontlikehoney]

Just that really.

I've been signed off work for a month. Saw some long-term friends tonight, who I hadn't seen for a while. Twice they asked me how work was and twice I skirted over it lightly and changed the topic.

Unsure whether/how to open up really, without going into a lot of detail where questions are asked, that I don't necessarily want to answer (or don't even know how to answer, because I don't have the answers myself).

Basically I'm very isolated anyway. So noone knows, and noone would notice. There's just me and my children, but as long as they keep going to school etc as usual, noone is going to be anyone the wiser.

If you don't want to go into detail, that is your right. However, it would be a shame if the reason you don't go into detail is because you think MH problems are something to be ashamed of. I recommend a book called "Depressive Illness, the curse of the strong" to help you to accept that MH issues are just another illness like heart problems or kidney problems. If you can access any CBT, you may find that you are subconsciously isolating yourself because part of you feels that you don't deserve to have anyone close to you (because your self-esteem is so low).
By the way, when I decided to be more open about my own MH struggles, I was overwhelmed by how many people had been through similar - it really is incredibly common.

Personally, I'm probably too open. I'm not ashamed of it and have no desire to keep it hidden however I am aware I probably share too readily and easily yet find it impossible to deal with. It's a bit of a paradox

Once my DH was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, we told his father and uncle...and found out there was a long, previously unspoken history of depression in the family. DH found out that one of the reasons his uncle spent long periods away from the family, took up painting watercolours and didn't hold onto relationships was because he suffered depression. His cousin, father and best friend all confessed they had struggled in the past. It opened up a discussion, and DH is all the better for it.

You are highly likely to come across someone with MH difficulties as 1 in 4 of us are affected at one point in our lives. It's nothing to be ashamed of. I am sure if you opened up a bit to your friends they would be sympathetic? Having a support system is key to recovery. Are you being referred for talking therapy?

Much love .

I had very serious mental health problems in the distant past (going back 40 years) and have NEVER disclosed them to employers or business associates. I'm open with my family though and finally feel able to tell other people if the situation arises. It hasn't been a case of being ashamed but because I believe that employers still judge. Most employers and business associates would be amazed and possibly disbelieving if the knew my medical history.

I am very open about my own MH problems with friends, family and work management and perminant members of my work team. I am less open with temporary staff, and those outside of my team, I would happily discuss with them if the subject came up, but its less relavent for them to know. Part of the reason is that I'm not ashamed and feel that the best way to reduce stigma is to talk openly about mental illness.

I am less open about DHs mental illness as he is less comfortable being open about it and I respect his privacy. My family, manager and work team are aware though as his illness can impact significantly on me as his main carer. DH is open about suffering from depression and has had discussion with lads in the pub about depression, which I find a really positive thing. He is less open about his psychosis as the stigma around that is still pretty bad.

I started a diary the day i realized I had a problem! 5 YEARS ON, I am strong and ready to take on the world My life began at 40. I suffered a stress related breakdown at 35m I blogged my recovery my struggles this has helped ppl who feel there is no hope, 3000 followers with all my social acc linked, I am now writing a book my blog from here to nowhere and back again and dragged to hell and back, if you are lost plz read your not alone and there is hope
xgijaneyx.wordpress.com/

xgijaneyx.wordpress.com/ my blog drag me to hell and back, It may help