How do you explain mental health issues to your friends or family?

[Brem]

There can be a big stigma around mental health, some people are scared to reveal their problems with their friends and or family because they're either afraid of judgement or afraid something else could go wrong. How do you explain your mental health issues with friends or family? Are you open with them? I think I'm pretty open with my friends and family about my issues, but there are some things I don't reveal. What about you?

 

[uptrendfinancialsignal]

That one is difficult, especially with older people. In my home country, many of them do not believe in “mental health” talk, they just say pray or “go to church.” I once tried explaining to my uncle using simple examples like how malaria makes your body weak, depression can make your mind weak too. He still laughed it off, but at least he listened. Lttle progress like that counts.

 

[Master-one]

My family members are not that co-operative. They do buy medications for me. However, they do not support me emotionally. As a result of that, I have to deal with emotional problems myself.

 

[esprit_girl]

I do not discuss my mental health issues with my family. They will never understand the concept of protecting your mental health. I prefer to discuss it with some of my close friends, as they have experienced the same thing. However, most of the time, I just keep things to myself.

 

[Hazel]

I try to keep it simple and honest. I explain how it affects my mood, energy, or behavior, give examples they can relate to, and emphasize that it’s not a choice or a flaw. I also stress when support or patience would help most.