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Mental Health
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
Hey Everyone
I have recently told one of my closest friends about my mental health, this wasnt the best idea cause now she has changed and doesnt know what to say or how to act around me.
Im just wondering if anyone could share tips on how I can like make this better, cause she is one of my closest friends,
I know its not her fault, she doesnt understand much about mental health, and I guess for somebody who doesnt understand much about this kinda stuff, then it's hard for them to deal with it when a close friends tell them about it. I really don't want this to ruin our friendship, I hope it doesn't and I just want to make things right between us again.. I've known her since college so about 5years or so. I don't really open up to many people about my mental health.. Its kind of hard.
Anyways I'll shush now, but if you guys could post some tips or advice on your experiences with talking to others about mental health, this could help me:)
Thankyouuuu
Claire(in chat)
I have recently told one of my closest friends about my mental health, this wasnt the best idea cause now she has changed and doesnt know what to say or how to act around me.
Im just wondering if anyone could share tips on how I can like make this better, cause she is one of my closest friends,
I know its not her fault, she doesnt understand much about mental health, and I guess for somebody who doesnt understand much about this kinda stuff, then it's hard for them to deal with it when a close friends tell them about it. I really don't want this to ruin our friendship, I hope it doesn't and I just want to make things right between us again.. I've known her since college so about 5years or so. I don't really open up to many people about my mental health.. Its kind of hard.
Anyways I'll shush now, but if you guys could post some tips or advice on your experiences with talking to others about mental health, this could help me:)
Thankyouuuu
Claire(in chat)
0
Comments
I think telling someone that your close to about your mental health was a massive step and a very brave thing to do...you should be proud!
Is it possible you could approach your friend again, explain that you understand it must be awkward for her and allow her to ask any questions she may have? For instance; I told a close friend I was feeling suicidal and she didn't know how to respond; therefore, she began to ignore me. I sat down with her, told her I understood how uncomfortable she must have felt and was open to answering any questions she may have had. It turns out, she felt out of her depth because she didn't know how best to support me or what help I needed.
I explained what drove me to feel like that and told her how I thought she could best support me - in this case, to continue treating me the same way she always had and that sometimes just knowing I could pick up the phone and talk to someone was all I needed so I didn't feel quite so isolated. She made me promise I would call her if I felt suicidal and that she wanted me to tell her what I needed (if anything) and that whatever it was she would do it. Then she thanked me for being so honest and for reassuring her. She also apologised for being distant but I completely understood her view of not knowing what was best in the situation.
I understand your view point when you say you don't want it to ruin your friendship but I honestly don't believe it will...sometimes it can just be a little unnerving for someone who doesn't have much experience of mental health as they don't necessarily know how to support you.
Let us know how you get on!
WL x
Firstly thankyou so much for your comment.. Means alot.
I am going to talk too my friend again but not yet I don't think.. Going to give her some time to cool off.
It sounds like on the whole you have had a positive experience in this WL. I am glad. Yeah in the past ive told another close friend who understood cause she has been through things like this.
I think mental health isnt really spoken about, I suppose people don't know how others will react..
Thanks so much for your reply WL
C
I agree...mental health seems to be such a taboo subject. It's disappointing and I hope that perceptions/opinions begin to change sooner rather than later!
WL x
I think people don't understand much around mental health if they don't know anybody or have suffered from it.. Because its not talked about.
Good suggestions there from both of you.. I will take them both on board and I think everything is going to be okay
x