I’m confused about whether to, when or what to disclose

Hi @Gwynn Thanks for your quick response. Suggestions for support have given me some great ideas.

In considering your comments, I think it confirmed for me that disclosure decisions are complex and should not be taken lightly. If asked by someone on which way to go, I’d definitely tell them my own perspectives on the pros and cons to enable them to make a decision that is right exactly for them.

My own personal belief (for now) is that anyone who chooses to disclose is a trail-blazer where reactions to disclosure may not be positive. I think looking after someone’s well-being comes first, and contributing to increased awareness come second.

Very open to hearing other points of view, though!!

Hello @Delicatessen

I disclosed to my boss when I was diagnosed with PTSD, had reasonable adjustments in place for a while, and what I thought was genuine support. I disclosed to the rest of the company in an event for mental health month. I was ultimately fired on grounds of being mentally unfit to perform my duties. I eventually won the legal battle, but that was confidential. I regret telling the company, not because I lost my job, but because they knew I was mentally ill and then all of the sudden I was mysteriously gone without a goodbye. Instead of being a trail blazer and crushing stigma I probably scared everyone at work even more about disclosing any kind of mental illness.

Regarding disclosing and being an educator I fully agree that one’s own health should come first. Awareness in my opinion has increased for anxiety and depression mainly related to covid but not for other mental illness. Nowadays I share my story and ‘educate’ others on a personal or individual base and share the parts of my story that I’m willing to share at that moment in time and with that person. I was told before that it is a privilege if I share my story with someone.

I hope things work out well for you and you find people you can share with and who support each other. Take good care of yourself x

Hi @petrichor thank you so much for your post. I feel so confused about how I feel before, during and after disclosure I’ve pretty much given up the practice since I spoke with my boss. I sometimes feel as though that it’s a bit of “open season” on me once I’ve disclosed. But it’s likely some of this is due to a poor self-image overall. Thanks again.

Hi @Delicatessen

I put 'schizophrenia' on a form for employment and it took them 6 months and requests for two clearances from psychiatrists to get the forms passed and to be put into the system for possible employment pool. From then on I have never disclosed and even lied and said I have no pre-existing conditions in order to get employment.

What a sad state of affairs! I hate lying!

Thanks for this thread.