I wish that society was enlightened but it is not. Encouraged by Psych Central, in the past year I allowed myself to speak more frankly with friends and family members. I am sorry to say it really has not gone well. In almost all instances it caused people to back off and withdrawal, when I needed the opposite, I needed more care and concern.

If I am at all emotional like maybe I cry while talking about my life difficulties I have been totally rebuffed. Several family members made it clear that they will not speak with me if I am upset. Certain members have actually been hostile.

So back to hiding out. It is almost better because my experiences of the past year have led me to believe that harsh stigmas exist everywhere.

Yet if I talk with others I meet even causally, I find that even strangers will confide in me that they suffer from MI. I think I must present as trusting, or why else would people confide in me so quickly?

It is really a sad fact that even though people and media will say that there is no stigma, it exists.