Do you hide the fact that you have a mental illness from others?

Answer 1

That is a personal matter. It is an illegal question to ask even if you see it on a job application. You do not have to disclose this to anyone, legally you are not required to. I would not if I had one.

Answer 2

I don't think it's anything to be ashamed of although others might disagree. Society for the most part still doesn't seem to understand mental illness and many people get all these ideas about when you tell them you have something as common as depression. I have it and I'm willing admit it but I'm not going to go around telling strangers generally(this is different, it's a online thing with some kind of anonymity involved) but close people and even some acquaintances know. I'm not wearing it as a badge of pride, I'm just not ashamed of it! There is a difference between not telling people and actually hide it from them, I for the most part don't try to hide it but I understand why many people would, especially those with major mental illnesses.

Answer 3

If someone has a mental illness they usually don't recognise it themselves. To them it is the norm. They think other people have the problem especially if they are able to cope with their infirmity.
It's only when do gooders point it out to those ones that are not 100 % that then they act as substandard.
The old saying ..live and let live might just be the most loving thing to do since most infimities only get a little better with meds.
Be kind, loving, and Christian..Be helpfull to those less endowed.

Answer 4

I don't really hide the fact but I don't tell everyone either. I need to feel folks out and My employer does not know. People are still very judgmental and the word Crazy (I hate that word) is used as a derogatory for those who are mentally ill. My family knows and my in-laws and my friends. I am a student my teachers do not know but my adviser does. So I guess it depends on who needs to know and who does.t

Answer 5

I've always avoided discussing my anxiety and depression with others, I think because the illness carries a stigma that there's something wrong with ME, weak-willed or such. But in the last year I have taken a chance and talked about it with a few people that I hang out with from work. Also you know, you don't have to tell everything about yourself. It wasn't uncomfortable telling a new-ish friend that my condition has been chronic, but I stopped short of discussing graphic thoughts of suicide for example. I found it got easier with each new person I talked about it with, and I feel much less ashamed since being able to confide in others.

Answer 6

Somehow society has a hard time dealing with mental illness. It scares them. If you tell someone you are depressed they have a completely different reaction when you instead state you take lexapro or xanax or cymbalta (add any medication you like).

Somehow people can deal with the fact you take medication but not that you are depressed. When in fact you are taking the medication because you are depressed. Go figure!

Answer 7

am no expert in mental health but i suppose if you are aware that you DO have a mental illness then you are not THAT serious yet. i wouldnt hide it if i know i have mental problems... my logic is that hey i have a problem and i need help. how am i going to get help if others dont know about my problems?

but i suppose if we tell people honestly that we have mental illness, chances are they may not take you seriously; it's either they will give you one kind of look, or they will think you are trying to be funny or ironic or joking...

i dont know...

Answer 8

yes. I still struggle with accepting it myself because of the societal stigma that one cannot "control" oneself.. for 20+ years I denied the sadness i always felt and drank away the sadness now I am battling acceptance of alcoholism having mistreated my depression for years with alcohol. Now I am living a lie because I did not face these issues when I first realized it. Now I am to afraid to tell anyone but my significant other and that has taken me 3 years....It is easier to hide when you have it under control. Don's do what you should not do (in my case drinking AT ALL!!) and do what you should do (take Rx's on time live healthy life)

Answer 9

Yes. I am clinically sad and depressed almost 90% of the time but on the outside I am always smiling and laughing because for one, I don't want people to worry about me and for another; it's more fun to pretend I'm happy and have fun rather than to sink into the depression.

I have other issues, but I want to leave some space here for other people to answer. lol!

Answer 10

It's between you and your Dr. If you choose to tell others it's your business. Remember, there are still stigmas associated with mental health problems and some will judge you.