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If you have amental health condition, telling people about it can definitely be scary.
Rest assured, if they’re genuinely into you this won’t be the case.
Just like other medical conditions, a mental health condition isnt something you should have to hide.
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Ideally, it’ll help deepen the understanding, compassion, and care within the relationship.
When Is the Right Time?
You could say: I trust you and I need to tell you something important about me.
Thank you for listening and doing your best to understand."
Process talk can help prepare your partner for the conversation ahead.
For instance, she says to avoid leading with questions like How do you feel aboutmental health?
or What do you think of people with X condition?
Thats a setup that can lead down the wrong path, says de Llano.
Be Direct and Honest
Tell your partner about your condition in a direct and straightforward manner.
For instance, de Llano says the dialogue can be something like this: I live with X condition.
This is not who I am, but something that impacts my life.
These are some of the symptoms I experience…
Share Examples
Everyone experiencesmental health conditionsdifferently.
For instance, you could say: I sometimes feel so anxious that it can be difficult to function.
I cant focus on my work, and that makes me more anxious.
Check in With Yourself
Self-care is important at a time like this, says de Llano.
She recommends taking a few moments to check in with yourself and see how you feel.
Will Your Partner Accept It?
There is a chance your partner may be uncomfortable with your mental health condition.
But oftentimes this discomfort will come from a lack of experience or education about your diagnosis.
Over time, they may become increasingly understanding with effort and care, or they may not.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Disclosing to others.
