Should we tell others we have an anxiety problem?

[Moonstruck]

Is it best to keep our mental health challenges to ourselves - or just be upfront with a carefully chosen few? The relatively rare (thank goodness) times I have to cancel plans, or late in beginning projects (procrastinating) saying No to requests etc...I wish I could simply tell the truth and say "I have an anxiety disorder"...or "I have big problems with anxiety that overcome me sometimes" or similar. Wouldn't that sound like I am "making excuses"?. People would find it hard to believe because I am so good at putting on a false, breezy, "together" switched on, capable, coping, good listener facade....the one OTHERS confide their problems to.

I tried a couple of times, something simple, not making a big deal of it or anything - like "I have a problem with anxiety" or "I have an anxiety disorder" I think I said. Responses included "Ah, you just worry too much" and another asked re anxiety disorder "What's that?"

I've also had in the past "It's about time you got your life together- what have YOU got to worry about?".......obviously we have to keep it a big secret!!! I would be interested to hear if anyone else has had similar responses, or do the majority of us just keep our mouths shut?

[Molly06]

Moonstruck,

Great question I often wonder that myself. I still feel like a stigma is attached to it. You would t have a problem people knowing you have diabetes but say you have a mental health issue and the response is so varied.

I have told a couple of people at my new work that I get anxiety but I haven't told them when I have it. Lately it's been a lot and as I am only on contract I don't want to risk my job or having it renewed because I am unreliable???

I find some people are great at accepting and knowing you have anxiety but I usually find these people also suffer from it so have an understanding.

I feel like I get a bit of a blank look from people who have never experienced it and I do get that because unless you have experienced it you just don't understand how consuming it can be.

My father has bi polar ( looks more like severe depression) and growing up I used to think for gods sake stop feeling sorry for yourself and get over it.

After suffering with anxiety/depression now for 20years I now know that he could g just get over it.

So I guess it's good to tell some people but it's good to choose wisely maybe ?? I wish I knew 😕

[Zoostar84]

If you believe more good than harm will come out of doing so then go ahead. I fortunately work in a culture where most people are accepting and supportive. I told all my colleagues that I thought would be supportive. I haven't told everyone at work and there have been comments made about my mood, or how I SHOULD appear which does make it difficult at times.