Hi musicfreak,
welcome to beyond blue.
I was going to put a very short answer and say "over coffee" but I know that would give the wrong impression and it really needs a little more than that. But that is what I did with those around me including my wife. I don't know if you are getting professional help, but I was, so that might have made it easier. I don't know. The other things is, and it does depend on your circle of friends, but some may want to learn more about it and ask questions of you. Some might offer some help. Some might not understand. You might find out that some of those you speak to have had similar experiences? And you can chat about it.
Actually, I will tell you how my barber found out... after I sat in the chair for a haircut, he asked me how I was. My reply was "well that really depends on what answer you want". To my surprise (?) he said "the real one". So I started to explain my situation etc.
There are many ways to initiate this conversation and the support you can get is worth the emotional cost of saying it. Brene brown talks asked an audience if they saw themselves as being vulnerable as a sign of weakness. She then asked, if you saw someone else being vulnerable (a friend for instance) took that as a sign of courage. Being able to tell your friends is not a sign of weakness.
FWIW... for myself, I started speaking with people after I started seeing a psychologist. And that required a referral from a GP. And that was after I spoke to my mum. Before then, I did not know what I was going through, except that something was not right with my mind. I needed the confirmation of the GP (?) to know that I was not making it up. I am saying this, because you said that you did not know how to fix it. If you cannot talk to own family, do you think that you could have a chat with your GP?
Tim
