Do I share or keep it to myself

[PeaceandWar]

Do you share with people that you meet for the first time that you have a mental illness? When is the best time to share your mental disorder with someone so they can understand your strange behavior?

[Lonewolf0407]

It depends on how comfortable you are. I usually let people know that I have anxiety so I might need to step out for a moment or something like that. Personally it makes me feel comfortable when people know so I don’t have to hide it and worry about it too much.

[PeaceandWar in reply to Lonewolf0407]

I have bipolar disorder, depression, and ptsd. I behave differently and it it’s been obvious at sometimes people will just say “oh you’re crazy”. So I’m just wondering if I tell people upfront will they understand me better.

[Lonewolf0407 in reply to PeaceandWar]

I think they would understand you better. I haven’t gotten any negative responses or any negative treatment when I tell people about my anxiety disorder.

[Hidden]

I think it’s a good idea if it’s necessary. Not all situations are necessary. You know yourself when it’s really necessary... example me at drugstore talking to pharmacist getting upset I have ptsd health related I have been wound up as I’m in a health issue pain too long stressed to max so I start rambling crying reliving ... I say something .. they respond better .. awk it’s those moments.

[HopeforJustice]

Hello, your private life is just that, private. Nobody, not your friends, co-workers or anyone needs to know anything personal and private unless they are going to be in your life for a very long time. Only tell people who have earned your trust. I would wait at least six months before revealing personal information. Allow someone to know you as a person. Some people handle mental illness differently depending upon their prior experience. I would want to know how someone feels about certain issues prior to bringing them up. The last you would want is for someone telling everyone on social media or other people to hurt you when things do not work out. Everyone is always nice in the beginning, it's how things end is when things get ugly.

Your business is nobody's business.

Be well.

[hypercat54]

You need to remember you are not your illness as you are a lot more than that so don't let it define you. Everyone has their own weirdness whether you have a mental health condition or not.

I suffer with depression and have several friends who don't believe in it. That's fine. They do know I have it as I have casually mentioned it but the key word is 'casually'. You haven't got to make a big deal out of it.

On the other hand I have friends who do get it because they have suffered it themselves or a loved one has so we share with each other. x

[Hidden]

Your name Pandas and peace is unusual. We're you a suffered of streptococcus or staphlycoccus infection with sore throats growing up? Have been told by mental health professional that bi polar disorder can arise from these infections. It is recognised in the United States that antibiotics help these infections and may used as part of treatment for pandas. I would not mention your problems to aquaintances but if you feel anxious then just say you are too hot. Come back when you feel you want to. You are a person not a walking problem to be avoided so just accept your limits and work round them. I don't know anyone who is not anxious with the virus at present so you would be abnormal if you had no fear..

[fauxartist]

I wouldn't unless they have shared they have it too. Most people won't understand, don't want to know, are only acquaintances and don't like anything too serious, and some frankly don't care. It's always been a mixed bag for most of us, but usually it doesn't end well sharing our stuff with others who are not able to be understanding.