[Seeker101]

I searched this forum for something like this, and didn't find anything. My search terms were too common!

Here's the thing. A guy from my past has taken the Facebook friendship to a new level. We're talking on the phone, we're messaging back and forth, and recently he's asked me to go on a trip. He has also shared with me something very personal.... He has cancer.

I feel it's important to let him know I have what I have: MDD, BPD, and C-PTSD.

But how? What are some of the best ways to tell you have mental illness?

I know I've been cheerleading others that mental illness is no different than high blood pressure, a broken leg, diabetes, and even cancer. So why am I freaking out about this?

Any ideas are greatly appreciated. I'm at a loss. Thanks!

[hpocus]

Originally Posted by Seeker101

mental illness is no different than high blood pressure, a broken leg, diabetes, and even cancer.

Why would anyone tell someone else they have high blood pressure? You're right, it's not that big a deal. If it's well controlled, you don't have to say anything, right? Are you going to say "I have blue eyes?" Come on, now, don't be ridiculous.

I might be nuts but I think the time to tell is when it naturally comes up. You get flustered, and he seems confused - explain it then. Otherwise, just like everyone else, there's no need to talk about your medical quirks.

If you make it a big giant reveal, he might think you're going to do a Jekyll and Hyde trick on him. You're not, right? So why make him worry about something completely unnecessarily?

[Seeker101]

Thanks hpocus, that's good advise. Feeling better about it, now.

[~Christina]

I agree.. let it come up on its own.

You don't "have" to tell anyone. I don't let my Bipolar take up any more space in my life than it needs to. I feel no need to inform people or educate people. If for some reason you go swinging off ceiling fans you might then mention something

Go enjoy time with him !

[Seeker101]

Thanks, Christina, for your good advise, also!

Yes, I plan to enjoy time with him!

Let him get to know u before you go flashing all the labels in his face... shouldnt matter when he finds out. But if it comes up dont hide it, if you have a close conversation about those topics dont glaze over it either. If it doesnt come up it doesnt, but if you are serious he has to know.

At the end of the day people dont look at this stuff like Hypetension, so be real with it too.

If it never comes up, just make gd sure it does before you say "I DO". Lol