I deal a lot with this same thing. I have always chosen to stuff it down and protect those around me. that's why it always comes as a big shocker to my wife when I am honest with pdoc and he ups my meds. "I thought you were just fine" she would say. It's really not fair to those around us to do that. Not if you want their support, that is. Not if you want them involved in what is really happening with you.

No... they don't need protecting. they are big boys and girls... they can handle it. of course, I am a total hypocrite for saying this to you, cuz I still protect my family from me and my insanity. but it's the right thing to do to let them in.

i have on here, and that is huge for me. a place to be as honest as I can be. to my own detrimint a lot of times lol.

so... My vote would be reasonable protectiveness with the ability to talk and let the family in when you need the help.

does that make sense?