So, I've been seeing a psychiatrist since October 2008. I hid it from my family (fairly easy as I live alone) when I first started going. I just thought they would frown on the fact that I was taking medication and tell me to get off it, so I didn't bother saying anything or telling them. I told my former pastor that I was on medication about a week after I started because he asked how I was doing and was one of several people who suggested I see a professional for my feelings. But I was afraid to admit it to my family.

Then the time came (last month) when I was short on money and needed some for my monthly visit and medication (I don't currently have insurance, so I pay out of pocket). I really didn't want to take out a cash advance from somewhere like Amscot, so I decided to go to my dad and step-mom for money. Of course, I couldn't ask for money without telling them what it was for, so I finally admitted to them that I was on medication and seeing a psychiatirst. Surprisingly...they took it better than I thought they would and let me borrow the money. They didn't seem concerned at all.

Then came my toughts about wondering if I had symptoms as a kid. My dad was never home when I was a kid, he was the bread-winner and worked all day. My step-mom didn't know me as a kid (they married after I finished college), so I had to turn to my mom to ask. I dreaded asking her as she is completely again mental health medications. But, I admitted to her that I was seeing a psychiatrist and wanted some input to take back to my next appointment with me concerning my diagnosis. She immediately asked if I was on medication. I tried to avoid telling her that. So, I couldn't lie, so I told her I was...which meant I had to explain why I was (since I am medicated for something other than my official dx).

She flipped out and told me I needed to stop taking it immediately because all psychiatric drugs kill brain cells. *argh* I responded with I would rather be on medication than constantly watching my back out of fear that I'll be harmed. She didn't like the answer, but it shut her up.

I'm just curious if anyone else took so long to be open with their family about their treatment? How open should one be with their family about such things? Anyone else have family that thinks medication is wrong?