'Covering' Do you do it?

If it was overwhelmingly more difficult to cover than to be real, I don't think I would do it. I cover because it's better for me. Rarely it's because of others' feelings and even when it is, the implications for me of them feeling overwhelmed (or whatever) is a factor.

Stigma is part of the reason that it's easier for me to cover, of course, but it's not the whole reason. Even if there was no stigma at all around MI, I wouldn't want the world to know that I'm DID or have PTSD, because that entails knowledge of things that are private. I guess it's complicated.

Hey @mrkotter, I don't think I've crossed paths with you in the Forums so far this year. Happy New Year 🙂 How's things? How has work been since you widened your disclosure?

Hey @Former-Member Happy new year! I am most definitely around but have had very little time to post.

I was actually thinking about this topic today. I talked to my CEO the other day about my situation and I also talked further about my stuff with a senior today. I Want to get your perspective on something (I'll post when I'm not so tired and have had a bit more of a think).

Also been talking to a gay guy at work, who's been out since '74. He's been giving me some really good adivce.

How's things with you?

Great to hear @mrkotter - sounds like our organisation has been receptive and there's been no stigma-ish backlash. Very encouraging.

All good with me. Busy like everyone else but mostly good busy 🙂

Happy to help out anytime so post whenever you're ready.

You're kicking goals @Kurra.

Hello @mrkotter @Kurra @Former-Member @utopia @Shazab

This is a brilliant thread. my adrenaline is rushing. I am feeling pumped as my son used to say.

I have read every single post and have to say have related to every single one.

For myself, I grew up in a family who were horrified at the mention of the phrase mental anything, depression well everyone feels sad at times.

Work in customer relations, so many racist, bigoted, self important bores.

Have had symptoms of major depression and anxiety for ages now at varying levels.

I too believe the symptoms have become a part of who I am.

I also am a very private person. I find talking to the average person on most occasions quite boring. I always start the conversation asking about the other person (90% of people love the opportunity) only to find that they are not really interested in my news.

It really does depend on the situation, the group you are with, common interests that sort of thing.

I am enraged about stigma re any mental illness or disorder. I will present my opinion assertively if the subject comes up.

Do I bring the subject up myself? no because I dont believe that part of me needs to be known. I am discovering that part of myself, digging deep, learning and that is a special part of me. That is a tender, raw, emotional, misunderstood, hidden, disguised part of my being. I am learning about that part of myself and how I feel about all of the new bits and pieces. For me they are mine. I dont need to share them for them to be further tarnished, mocked. They may only appear minimal in the full scale of things to others but they have been major to me. So noone can feel my emotions, know my exact thoughts, they are unique to me and I can choose what i do with them. perhaps use them creatively. i do use them to empathise, support, love, care. I think that I already give enough.

I have symptoms of the illnesses. I am not the illness. Society labels people as being the illness.

How can we change stigma successfully when the whole world is losing the act of communication. The focus has switched to self image - social media, selfies, twitter, etc etc. most people looking at their electronic devices.

I do not judge, criticise or question anyone else wanting to be open about their symptoms of illness. It is a very individual decision to be carefully thought out.

i am thrilled that you have brought this subject to our attention Mr Kotter. A very prevalent subject past, present and future.

cheers all

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@mohill wrote:

Hello @mrkotter @Kurra @Former-Member @utopia @Shazab

i do use them to empathise, support, love, care. I think that I already give enough.

I have symptoms of the illnesses. I am not the illness. Society labels people as being the illness.

How can we change stigma successfully when the whole world is losing the act of communication. The focus has switched to self image - social media, selfies, twitter, etc etc. most people looking at their electronic devices.

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Hey @Former-Member I love your post. I fully support what you're saying. I love how this thread keeps popping up, I think we are at the tipping point with mental illness. Things are getting better.

I'm gen y myself and I think social media is so powerful. In my mind it's changed communication for the better. My generation is more connected with each other than any in history. Through social media we create, change, communicate so fast. We can create and ditch a concept inside a day. I think you have it wrong - the self indulgent selfies don't last long as we find it boring: we want original content that makes us think. We want to connect.

Have a look at some tumblrs, twitter accounts on MI. There are so many great accounts that are not only changing perspectives but also bringing people together, especially for those complex disorders that can be very isolating (I would link but rules prohibit it and a warning a lot of the material can be triggering). Frankly, I regard this forum as an early version of social media. It certainly meets the wikipedia definition. Social media has helped us to get to where we are today, we should embrace it.