Dear Penny-Lane~
Welcome here. Talking to others about our condition is a worrying problem many of us face, and we are in a cleft stick, on the one had including others can give a great real of practical and emotional support and comfort, on the other hand it can lead to rejection and isolation.
As Tony says the best people to talk with are those that have been down the same path. There understanding is pretty well guaranteed, plus of course discovering what others have found helpful is good too.
I guess with family and friends it is very much a judgment call. Is there any one person you have confidence will at least care and want to support you? Not everyone does understand fully what happens in one's head, but if they can make allowances, and learn how to support it can be realy great anyway. My partner, who had never been ill, learned what not to say, to understand if I was distant or withdrawn, how sometimes suggestions were not welcome and at other times they were, and so on.
If you can find one person that may be enough. They can be your advocate if necessary, and in any case it really is not an all-or-nothing venture. Some people as you have already indicated may not be suitable for your confidences.
When it comes down to what to say I would think there are two approaches. The first is to sit down quietly in a secure place, without any interruptions or rush, and just talk. The good thing about this is you can sense at the time how you are being received and can tailor what you say to match.
The other way is to write a letter and hand it over. This allows you to say everything you want without getting flustered or sidetracked.
OK, I've talked for a bit, what do you think?
Croix
