Mental health is an incredibly individual aspect of our lives. We all have different mental health experiences and need to remember that everyone is on their own mental health journey.
If you’ve recently received a new mental health diagnosis, it can feel like there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. You may ask yourself questions such as:
- Will you start a specialized form of therapy?
- Is medication right for you?
- Do you need to add someone to your care team?
- How much support do you need?
Answering these questions can be a great start and help you know that you’re on the right track.
Disclosure
Another important thing to consider is whether or not you’ll disclose your diagnosis to people in your life. Many people choose to tell some and not others. It’s also possible to be open about it with everyone in your life. While every situation is unique, there are some pros and cons to choosing to disclose a mental health diagnosis to various people.
Who to Share With
Many people find that sharing their struggles and journey allows them to get more support and understanding. This can be a great way to make sure that you’re on the right track. Additionally, you can have transparent, honest conversations with the people that matter to you when you’re fully open with them.
Some people, like your boss at work, may need to know about your diagnosis so you can take advantage of assistance programs you may have access to through your job. With others, like distant relatives or coworkers, it may be best to keep information about your diagnosis quiet. In any case, it’s yours to choose how much detail any one person needs to know.
Difficulties With Disclosure
While many people find community and support through disclosing their diagnosis, there are some reasons why others choose not to. When you are open about your condition, you may have to deal with some stigmas that exist for mental health struggles. Simply choosing not to disclose can be an effective way to avoid this.
If you’re trying to decide whether or not to disclose your diagnosis, think about each specific person you’re considering and how they might react. It’s also important to consider if there are any big negative possibilities, such as being discriminated against at your job.
Working with a therapist can be a great way to work through who needs to know what and have support along the way.
It can sometimes feel like there are a lot of decisions to make when you receive a new mental health diagnosis. This can be overwhelming and confusing, so it’s helpful to work with an experienced team who can guide you through the process of finding the best treatment options for you. At Avalon Malibu, our team is here to provide support and help clients find what works best for them. Give us a call at (844) 857-5992. We hope to hear from you soon.
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