Negative reactions

Hi Hannah, sorry to hear you've had a negative reaction to someone after sharing your diagnosis information with them. I have had similar experiences - it's unfortunate that for many there is still a stigma attached to mental health issues. Depending on how well you knew this person I can imagine it feels like quite a let down for you to feel them pulling away. There could be many reasons why a person might react this way - maybe they themself have a mental health issue they don't wish to deal with, or it could be triggering to them in some other way. They may have grown up with a parent who had a mood disorder. In any case, it is unlikely that you simply answering their question about why you were going to the psychiatrist was at the root of their reaction, so try keep that in mind. Choosing to distance oneself from someone for this reason says more about that person than it does about you. Really it is a shame that they haven't been able to move past whatever it is that is holding them back. I hope maybe that helps a bit to know, although it still never feels good to suffer this kind of a reaction.

Good for you for owning your truth. If we all do this, it will be easier for those in the future to be open about their mental health. Take heart that you are forging forward in a sometimes uncomfortable environment, but making progress nevertheless.

Better days are ahead :)

@HannahPear I'm sorry that happened to you. I was misdiagnosed for a couple of years and it wasn't until recently that it was corrected and I was given new medication. I was hesistant to tell people around me at first. And I do regret telling some. The face of a cousin in particular changed once I told her and she got a bit weird around me. I am still me but not everyone sees it that way.