I just realized that I have never used the term "mental illness" when discussing my conditions with friends, coworkers, or aquaintences. Instead, I say dealing with "depression", "PTSD" etc.

Telling people you are "mentally ill" OTOH can have really negative impact as that is often how mass shooters are labeled on the news. It's just a stupid phrase, but it does paint a different picture.

I suppose mindset is different than communicating to others, but just adding this afterthought.