Need the help, but afraid of the stigma

[Fatima_sh]

Hello everyone I hope you’re all doing well and that you had a great Christmas and New Year! In celebration of the new year I decided that I’m going to take a big step into changing my life for the better, but there is one problem. I can’t get myself to actually pick up the phone and call a mental health clinic.

There’s a lot of stigma about going to a therapist here, and I’m afraid of what will happen after I go to one. Some people told me that they prefer not to go because it stays in their file forever and that it’s going to affect their career etc. I never thought of it like that, but when I heard them say that it made me nervous. Got any advice and stories? Please share ❤️

[Hidden]

Fatima.

Stigma is real yes. However, does anyone need to know that you are going to seek help? If not then it would seem a non issue except to yourself. basically it's no ones business except yours. The stigma exists due to ignorance. If you choose to let anyone know, think of it as an opportunity to educate them and help lessen the stigma. I don't know where you live, so I can't speak to the culture of stigmatization there. There is a law called the "HIPPA Law" that strictly prohibits disclosure of treatment of any kind.

I hope this helps somewhat.

[conquestofhappiness in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I think medical records are confidential, at least in the USA.

[Fatima_sh in reply to Hidden]

Medical records are 100% confidential and no one other than the medical team and doctor/therapist can access them. I guess I’m just nervous and making up some illogical excuses so I can avoid going 🤷🏻‍♀️

[conquestofhappiness in reply to Fatima_sh]

no worry. if they leak it, sue them and you'd be rich. so either way, you won't lose.

[Dolphin14]

I'm in the US also.

Those medical records cannot be released without consent. I'm not sure what you mean by it will effect your career?

[Fatima_sh in reply to Dolphin14]

That’s what I’ve been told. As in my employer could check my medical record, but I don’t think that’s possible.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Fatima_sh]

No they can't. Nothing can be disclosed unless you were involved in a disability case. But you would still have to sign a medical release.

Are you in the US? I cant speak for another country.

No one at your job needs to know you are in therapy unless you want them to know.

[Fatima_sh in reply to Dolphin14]

No I’m not in the US. I’m in an Arab country.