Disclosure. To tell or not to tell
Needing some opinions. I have had Bipolar Disorder for well over 20 years. I went a longtime undiagnosed. I also have PTSD.
I have always been very careful who I disclose my illness to. I've been burned a few times.
I'm in a fairly new relationship and everyone keeps asking the same question. "Well have you told him yet?"
So this is what I've done. He knows I'm being treated for PTSD, meds, therapy and a psychiatrist. He also knows I do get depressed every once in awhile.
No I have not come right out and said I have Bipolar Disorder. He needs to get to know "me" first and yes I'll be honest, I'm afraid to tell him. He's a wonderful man who I don't think would judge me but I'm still afraid.
Some say I just add to the stigma around mental illness. I don't like to think so but maybe I do.
For me what it boils down to is labels. As far as I'm concerned labels cause stigma. I can tell someone that I have problems with my moods and I take medication for it and most wouldn't give it a second thought but if I were to say I have Bipolar disorder, I'm instantly crazy because of that label
Why is that?