Why tell anyone about my mental illness?

If you're suffering from a mental health problem, such as depression, it can be very helpful to tell someone you trust. When people understand what you are going through, they can help, by supporting you.

If you're not sure how to start the conversation, you might find it helpful to talk to a health professional first. There are also many mental health resources available. They can give you advice and help you plan what to say.

How do I start the conversation?

Thinking about how to talk about your mental health concerns can be overwhelming. It might be helpful to think about some common do's and don'ts of discussing mental health issues. Below are some suggestions for how to talk to the important people in your life.

How do I tell my employer?

Your manager, human resources department or union may be a good place to start when speaking to your employer.

• Think about the best time and place to tell your employer.
• Explain your health issue in a clear way.
• Share only the details that you are comfortable with.
• Have a plan in case the conversation becomes uncomfortable or upsetting for you.

The workplace disclosure tool can help you plan the conversation.

How do I tell my friends?

Choose which friends you want to talk to and which ones you don't. Try to tell only people you think will be supportive. When you are ready, here are some steps you can take:

• Find a place where you can have privacy.
• Make sure you both have enough time to talk.
• Prepare examples of how your mental health affects you.
• Let them know the details you want kept private.
• Be clear about when you want their advice and when you just want them to listen.

How do I tell my partner?

Think about how long you have been in your relationship. You don't need to tell someone you just started seeing, but it might be best not to leave it too long. When you are ready, consider these tips before you start the conversation:

• Find a time when the other person is best able to receive the information.
• Find out about their attitude towards mental illness.
• Don't disclose everything at once.
• Consider discussing how your mental illness affects your everyday life, and how it might affect the relationship.
• Practice what you want to say beforehand with someone you trust or say it out loud to yourself.

How can I deal with any stigma?

• If you have a mental illness, you might find that some people view you negatively. This is called stigma.
• This stigma can be hard to handle, but knowing more about your condition and talking to professionals can help you cope better.

Resources and support

There are many services that can help with advice about talking with your employer, family or friends:

• Medicare Mental Health has advice about how to start the conversation about mental health. Call 1800 595 212.
• Mentally Healthy Workplace has online resources on how to tell someone at work about your mental health condition, as well as a mental health workplace disclosure tool.
• BeyondBlue Support Service is a free telephone and online counselling service, call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.
• SANE Australia has a Guide to Mental Illness and the Workplace, to help employers, managers and colleagues understand and support mental health issues.
• ReachOut Australia and Headspace offer online mental health services for young people.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

13 Yarn (13 92 76) is a national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. They offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

The Transcultural Mental Health Centre (TMHC) supports people from diverse cultural and language backgrounds across NSW. They offer mental health resources in multiple community languages.