Yes I do because there is still a big stigma about having any mental illness. I work really hard at appearing "AOK" until I have known a person for 6 months to a year. Then I decide whether or not I can trust them with this information. It shouldn't be like this but it is
I also for many years was able to fake it in front of some therapists. One psych MD decided I had schizophrenia (I was hallucinating due to severe insomnia during a manic phase of 2 months). Many years later, I decided to be totally open about it & a pdoc diag. me with what I'd self diag. at age 15: manic-depression/bipolar.
I wish that we could all trust everyone but the stigma has ruined that for me. I even "came out" about just my seizures & the woman literally shouted "You have EPILESPY! That is SO weird!!!" Obviously, I quit hanging out with her.
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Originally Posted by sui generis
Hey guys  first post here aha.
I have this problem where I don't appear as depressed/anxious/hypomanic as I actually am and this leads to people not really believing me when I tell them what's happening. This is mostly because I feel really embarassed and guilty about my moods and I'm extremely self aware about what is and isn't appropiate social behaviour. Most people just think I'm chronically tired or something haha.
I'm also having issues with opening up to my psychologist because I'm afraid she won't believe me. Even though I'm really depressed atm, I can still make jokes and appear fine for a few hours at least before I crash. Usually there will be a few days in the week where I appear functioning and if I have a psych appt on that day... Well then she will think I'm fine :/ |