how to tell my family about my diagnosis

[hannahjoanne]

Hi. I’m 23 and I was just diagnosed with bipolar type 1 with psychotic features and OCD. My family is my support system and I have no idea how to tell them. They’re incredibly supportive and I have no doubt they’d be the same when it comes to this, they already kinda know I have a mood disorder of some kind. I’m just not sure how to tell them about the psychotic symptoms and that I’m starting antipsychotics. I can barely articulate the psychosis myself and I’m afraid they’re going to have questions that I can’t answer, or not take it seriously. Again they’ve been nothing but supportive in the past but I just don’t know how to go about broaching the subject. 

[Sophie_M]

Hey Hannahjoanne,

 Welcome!  We hope you can find some comfort and understanding on the forums. This is a judgment-free space, so please feel free to share, knowing that you'll be met with understanding and support.

Telling family about a diagnosis/diagnoses can be a really tricky time. While it sounds like you are certain they will be supportive, it can still be a very daunting conversation. It is totally okay to let them know that you are learning about it all, too, and may not have all the answers right now. 

it might be helpful to have some information pages on hand just in case they want to look into it further themselves:
- Beyond Blue has some info here on OCD
- Our friends the Black Dog Institute have some more information on Bipolar 

If you could ever benefit from talking it through, please don’t hesitate to give the lovely Beyond Blue counsellors a call on 1300 22 4636 or speak to them on webchat here.

Thank you again for sharing and wishing you all the best in having this conversation! 🙂

Kind regards
Sophie M

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

Certainly this revelation is a big deal as it is news they wont want to hear however, it will also answer many questions  from a behavioural viewpoint.

We have a long thread here called "this bipolar life" 

https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/long-term-support-over-the/this-bipolar-life/td-p/216490

I also occasionally go on that thread and read the experiences others have with bipolar. 

This news is no different to notifying other about a heart attack, cancer etc so it is a thing that will always feel uncomfortable even into old age. 

I have bipolar 2 and other issues and I've slowly been able to manage it. Your supportive family is a bonus because sometimes for various reasons even some unknown, we tend to go off the rails a little and they will notice this and remind you what the reality is.

Having bipolar, it's ok, there is much worse mental challenges out there but it does take commitment to therapy and medications and the right dosages. 

TonyWK 

[Summer Rose]

Hi hannahjoanne

I know it can feel daunting to share this type of personal information, even with people who you love and who love you.  What I can tell you as a mum with an adult daughter who experiences OCD and GAD is that, you're family are most certainly aware that you are experiencing a mental health condition. And they have likely been concerned for some time.

Learning of your diagnosis may actually come as a bit of a relief because at least they will know what has been happening for you and why.  And once everyone knows about the conditions they can better support you to improve your mental health.

Yes, your family are likely to have questions.  I'm sure you have lots of questions, too. Just do your best to answer and I encourage you to share with them the beyond blue material Sophie has suggested.

If you feel comfortable, you could invite your key support person to attend some of your next session with your mental health practitioner so that he/she can ask questions.  Hopefully with professional guidance your family can put a helpful support plan in place for you.

It's okay to be unwell. It's okay to seek support.  It's okay to share.  Remember your family love you.

Kind thoughts to you

[quirkywords]

Hannahjoanne

Your family will be keen to reassure and support you.

I was 16 when I was diagnosed with bipolar. Thst was a long time ago when people were ignorant.

I think you could read your post as it is or cut an paste. Let your family know that you know how supportive they are but you are unsure how to tell them as you are trying to cope with your diagnosis.

Give your self time and let your family know so they can share the journey.m