How To Tell Your Loved Ones About Your Mental Illness

By Indie

It's scary to become aware that you might have a mental health illness. However, it is more frightening to tell your parents, guardians and/or closest friends. It's a daunting feeling, isn't it? What if they don't believe you? Or tell you that it's nothing? Or, which I feared, tell you that you're going through a "phase"? 

Although mental health has become a more open topic within these last couple of years, it is still a subject some people tend to avoid. Remember: You need to put yourself first. What you are going through is real and you have to be honest with your family/friends. 

First of all, do not feel as if you have to tell. This is your choice. You need to be comfortable and not pressurise yourself. If you do choose to tell, I suggest to you that you should confide in someone who is a good listener and who is supportive. 
The start of the conversation will always be the hardest but by initiating it, you will be lifting a huge weight from your shoulders.

More advice includes choosing a casual environment whether going on a walk or getting a cup of coffee. Being in a relaxing environment will do a lot. 
Lastly, is to prepare how you are going to tell them beforehand. Write it down and whether you take your notes with you or rehearse it by heart it will make it easier for you when it's time.

It was November 2016, when I first spoke about my mental illness to my dad. Well sorta... I used, what I like to call, the "friend method." Instead of telling my dad how I felt, I told him that I had a friend who felt X, Y and Z. At first my dad was confused due to never having discussed the topic of mental health before. With that in mind, he still listened. In the end, as we approached our home and walked inside, he placed his hand on my shoulder and asked if I was ok. This is the part where you assume that I confess that my "friend" was actually me and told my dad that I wasn't fine at all. That’s where you are wrong. I faked a smile and told my dad that I was fine and headed upstairs. It wasn't until over a year later on Christmas Eve where my dad found me crying in my bed when I told him everything. All this time I worried about how he would react and what he'll say. That all went out the window when my dad pulled me into a hug and told me that everything was going to be alright. That he'll always be there for me. A few days later I told my mom. 

When preparing to tell your loved ones about your mental illness, try to prepare for how they will react. They may try to avoid the topic or they become upset and end up blaming themselves. They may respond really positively or they may end up telling you about a possible mental illness of their own. Either way remember that regardless, just give them time to comprehend what you told them. 
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If you feel as if you are struggling with any mental health illnesses try to talk to someone you trust. Whether it's your parents, close relative or school teacher. Although you may or may not know me, keeping your struggles bottled up is never a good idea. No doubt you have heard - the longer you keep something in, the longer it will affect your life. 
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To get in contact with your local helplines then visit:
https://checkpointorg.com/global/