Why do I feel like I’m exposing myself when I tell you I have Obsessive compulsive disorder?
Whether you’ve been my friend for years, or whether we’ve just met (hi) – it feels uncomfortable to tell you that I have a mental health condition. I, Emily, have a mental health condition.
This is not what I’m about.
You, with diabetes, are not only a diabetic.
Or you with Irritable bowel syndrome, you are not an irritable bowel!
Just as I am conscientious and passionate,
you are fascinating or introverted.
So why does my condition feel any more taboo than yours?
I take medications for my OCD. You take Canesten for your fungal infection.
Why can’t I shout SERTRALINE PLEASE in the Pharmacy? Would you move an inch?
“But she’s well dressed” I’ve had people say. “She’s come from work, she has a gym bag! WHO IS THIS MAD WOMEN?” – I’ve heard people think.
So in that moment, when someone discloses, what should you say?
What does that mean to you?
How does that impact on your life?
Tell me more about that, if you’re happy to…..
It’s not something I know much about, tell me…..
And if you do, I hope that one day, we won’t have to disclose. And I’ll get to say – I’m Emily, my anxiety is pretty bad today. And you’ll think, and then say, “no problem, tell me what you need”.
Resources
• Responding to a disclosure – For tips on how to have a conversation
about mental health which includes how you could respond to someone
disclosing their mental health condition to you, please take a look at our
concertina card which is fully produced by people living with mental ill-health: York Ending Stigma Conversation Tips Card
• OCD – www.ocduk.org
York Ending Stigma
To find out more about our work and to join us to end mental health stigma in York, please refer to our website https://yorkcvs.org.uk/york-ending-stigma/ or email us on yes@yorkCVS.org.uk