To share or not to share, that is the ?
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To share or not to share, that is the ?
| Fri, 03-31-2006 - 7:49pm |
Okay, so I know SOMEWHERE in the little bit of the Anxiety and phobias workbook that I have read to date, that I read SOMEWHERE where it says it is part of the process for you to be able to talk to other people about your anxiety problems. I tried to go back and look for where it said that last night but couldn't find it.
Anyway, I am worried about telling other people about my anxiety.


&nb
I do know what you mean. I'm especially worried about if anyone at work were to find out...I work in construction with mostly men and all it would do is make them see me as another wacky female. Some of my friends know and some don't - but these friends are a clinical psychologist and a physician, and the other has problems with depression, so I don't really feel any stigma from them. My other group of friends are the ones I haven't told and don't plan on telling. I really don't think they would understand at all...they'd feel sorry for me and probably be worried for me but, like you said, would treat me differently. All of my friends are long-distance right now, so that makes not telling a lot easier.
Within my family, mental illness is fairly common. I am open with my family b/c I almost have to be. And, like you, I think it's important that the extended family not feel a stigma about mental illness since it is so common for us. They shouldn't be worried about getting help if they need it. But that's a fine line...when do I need to stop trying to educate others and start practicing a little self-preservation? Hmmm...
Heather you bring up a good point.
Judy
I shared & I never regretted it. I sure wish I'd done it sooner. It took alot of the shame, guilt & pressure away. Most of it was what I *thought* would happen. As usual with my anxiety, I make mountains out of molehills. What I thought would happen, never did. I did have a couple of nurse friends who distanced themselves from me. Admittedly, I was hurt because I expected them, of anyone, to be more understanding. Such is life & I have moved on.