It’s always nerve-wracking to tell a loved one that you have a mental illness, and that could be for many logical reasons: you be afraid that they’ll be upset; you may not have the kind of relationship where you can discuss mental health with them; you may feel your loved ones are already stressed with other things on their mind; or, you may fear they won’t believe you, and more. Something that can help in deciding if you want to disclose to a loved one might involve all of the following things: if you feel comfortable with them, if you imagine that they’ll be supportive, and if you’ve told them private information in the past and they’ve been accepting.
Of course, you are the only person who knows if this type of situation is right for you. Do not risk compromising your safety. If you decide to disclose to them your concerns about their mental health, there are a variety of approaches that you can take:
- You could send them a quick text or email, explaining that you’d like to talk about something important and ask if they have time available within the coming weeks
- You could print off information that could help them better understand what you’re going through
- Write them a letter expressing your diagnosis, what you’re dealing with and what you need their support with
- Speak with a professional from Alta Loma to have someone come and help you talk about this important issue
When it comes to addiction and mental illness, the sooner a person seeks help, the sooner they can begin their recovery. Symptoms of either can worsen over time, which can make it even more difficult for friends and family to support if they’re unaware.
At Alta Loma, we understand the link between mental health and addiction. If you’re ready to seek help, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today.
Alta Loma is a world-renowned, Texas state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center exclusively for men. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at (866) 457-3843 for a consultation.
