I think a lot of us struggle with the idea of what our actual limit is, and when we need to ask for help, or explain to others about our mental health. Accommodations aren't just for the workplace, we have to make for our illness everyday and re-evaluate and assess it sometimes even daily what we're able to achieve.

My questions:
1) How comfortable are you expressing to others about your mental illness? Do you only do it as necessary? When do you deem it necessary? For example, when it's a significant other or a close friend?

2) Do you have a solid support system in place? (includes anything such as psychiatrist, therapist, close friends, family members, perhaps religious figures etc.)

3) In terms of work accommodations, have you ever had to request them? If so, how honest, or upfront, where you about it ? Did you share everything they may need to know or just the pertinent details for that moment? If you have never had to ask for an accommodation or at least divulge some aspect to maintain/improve your work -- would you?



I'll answer my own questions.

1) I'm pretty secretive about my mental health. I have lots of diagnoses and I am a firm believer while the DSM or ICD are tools to help navigate symptomology and sort through areas of struggle... people are people and disorders are organic, and people manifest them differently. They differ in severity and the way they present that is completely unique to the person. Stigma is a huge issue especially with some diagnoses I have. I appreciate having the label, it makes me feel seen because MY REALITY manifests the way it does, and it may not be the PERCEPTION of the lay person, or even someone else with the disorder. I don't like having to "explain my illness" to others. If I have to dilvulge, I keep it simple, I keep it short "I struggle with mental health. You may see X Y or Z from me. I something act in X manner or Y way. I try my best to combat it."

2) My support system is scarce, but I do have the core psychiatrist, therapist, and a few friends. Family is another story... but I'm working on expanding my friend group and adding them as scaffolds as I rebuild my life after a pretty traumatic event a few years back.

3) I've asked for accommodations for anxiety related reasons. They were helpful for that type of job but it with a lot of reservation and I don't think I was treated fairly after divulging my issue. I was definitely looked at as a "weak link" and felt like it was a "terminate as soon as it's applicable" situation. It didn't get to that, because I quit. So, in general -- I don't know how I feel. I have a hard time asking for help when I need it in the first place, let alone when you're looked down upon for asking.

Can't wait to read your experiences!