Disclosure to people outside the medical sphere?

[cinderellafaye]

Besides medical professionals, do you disclose anything regarding your past (inlcuding present embodiment) to anyone other than medical professionals? I find this chat extremely helpful, but think that a 1-on-1 conversation with someone with similar experiences would be helpful (in persom or virtually). I am not looking to join a support group (therapeutic or not in nature).

 

[Stephernovas]

Depends if I give a shit in the moment or not. Sometimes I share because I feel people should know honest truths. But then I realize some idiots can’t take it and I wish I never told them. Whatever. If they don’t care enough to be kind, then their opinion doesn’t matter

 

[EveHarrington]

I tend to tell people because I rather them know....I mean I rather them say “ahhh, she’s being a little quirky today. This must be part of her ptsd struggles (it’s not me)” ....as opposed to judging me as a freak or thinking I don’t like them or I’m being rude to them. Some people I tell pretty quickly. Others know I have anxiety struggles. More casual friends (acquaintances) don’t know anything.

I’ve been diagnosed for almost a decade now. I’m tiiiiiired of hiding. If someone has a problem with those who have a mental illness? Buh-bye. I don’t have time for you.

In terms of one-on-one interaction with people who have a mental health diagnosis? I went to PHP and left with a few friends who “get it”. I think one has the potential to be a long term/close friend, but only time will tell.

 

[somerandomguy]

If people ask, I tell them. I spent 15 years bottling it up and it didn't work. I'm going to try doing the opposite to see what happens.

 

[cinderellafaye]

Do you have someone to talk to who has similar experiences?

 

[somerandomguy]

Nope. Not IRL.

 

[EveHarrington]

Are you looking for someone to talk to IRL who has trauma/ptsd....I mean do you want to discuss the trauma/ptsd?

 

[cinderellafaye]

I guess so. But, how do you know if is safe to do so?

 

[Stephernovas]

I guess so. But, how do you know if is safe to do so?

You don’t

 

[EveHarrington]

I never had much luck in finding people to talk to about my issues. I rather my friends stay out of my mental health stuff. I have friends who understand because they have similar struggles, but we don’t cross the line and talk about anything deep beyond “I’m anxious” and stuff like that.

 

[EveHarrington]

If you want a friend to talk to about the trauma stuff, you risk possibly triggering each other.

 

[Mach123]

No, I don't. I have found it's usually not to my advantage. If someone needs my help I do. I have had circumstances like that. In general though, I have not had a good experience with this so, I don't do it.