There is nothing for you to be ashamed of. Mental illness is exactly that... an illness. Just like any other organ in our body our brain can get sick too.

I think this could be a great step for you. Being vulnerable with someone is hard and can bring feelings of shame. But you just have to go for it. I wish I had a better answer than that, but you'll never know until you try. I think it is important to have a good healthy support system that you can lean on when things get tough. Having someone in your real life who can be there for you is irreplaceable. Just make sure that it is someone that you can trust.

I think if you are person who has been feeling shame for awhile, it's not going to disappear immediately.

I had alot of shame when I was struggling and I kept it all inside. Until I couldn't anymore. So I reached out to my best friend, she was empathetic and gave me the contact info of her psychologist.

As you continue on your mental health journey, you will begin seeing who it's safe to open up to and who isn't. The more you do, and are met with open arms and empathy, the less shame you will start to feel.

There will be people who be unresponsive, or not know what to say or do. Not because they don't care...more so b/c they don't know how to react. In their world mental health struggles isn't really discussed, most of the time...they carry mental health struggle shame as well.

Don't let it deter you...however someone reacts. You will fine a safe person.

Very proud that you are taking the first step. Don't let the outcome deter you, scare you. You are being very brave!

Sending you light and love!

I have found that not everyone will be receptive to the problems of those with mental illness. That's why you need to surround yourself with a support network of people that do support those with mental health issues even if it is something simple. That way you end up creating a support network of people that will always help you through it. Avoid those that think it isn't an issue because you need help through it.

For example I have about 47 friends on Facebook that support me through the hard times however, my friend since childhood has over 5000 people on Facebook and they all treat him like crap when he does have a bad time (I think he has his dads schizophrenia ). The people he has on his Facebook tend to feed into his paranoia and his condition is getting worse because of it. I have major depression and suicidal thoughts all the time but my network of people online and offline are aware of this and try to help me through it whenever I go into a low period.

You can get through it and we are here for you :)

I think feeling that way is actually more common than most people think. I started going to counseling about 13 years ago and it took me a long time before I was truly able to open up. I had a great counselor but just felt really guarded. Then one day, she got very sick and I started seeing another woman in her office. I don't know what it was, but slowly I started feeling more comfortable to share. Still, there were some things that I never felt comfortable talking about. Even with that, I still found going to counseling extremely beneficial and honestly, the best decision I ever made.

You don't have to go in and spill your soul out right away. The initial part is more about building trust with your therapist to the point where you feel comfortable slowly sharing more. I've found that a lot of therapists had a lot of the same struggles as I did and finding out how to work through those things are what led them into the field in the first place.

Have you looked for therapists in your area yet? If you need recommendations, I can send you the number of the organization that helped me find my counselor. They have resources all over the country.

Hello! All I can say is that it’s wonderful that you are thinking about reaching out because it not an easy thing to do. I have been dealing with mental health issues for about 30 years and I still don’t feel comfortable talking to anyone. My family doesn’t know what’s going on with me because I feel like I’m going to be labeled or I have to hear oh you have a great life why are you depressed. They don’t understand it’s not about that. We all have issues that we are not quite sure how to handle and just need help. People want to label you as crazy and it makes you feel some kind of way and that you don’t feel comfortable talking to anyone. I have episodes where I don’t want to be here because I feel like I’m a burden to my family. I do have a therapist though.

Shame is pretty normal for those of us who have mental health issues. Professionals in the mental health field are quite aware of that. Let me give you a little story: I’ve suffered from anxiety and depression since I was a small child, I’m now past middle age. I’m tired of feeling embarrassed and ashamed of myself. I’m ready to get well and shed all the muck that’s holding me back, like shame. Pro’s in the field know how to help us, they aren’t there to cause us more shame, they are there to help us. Try looking at it that way.

Hi,
Have you tried to talk with a professional counselor? Do you have a trusted friend that you can share your feelings with when needed? Nothing to be ashamed of. Mental illness is a medical problem like asthma or any kind of sickness.

One of my sisters was diagnosed with anxiety but she refused treatments. My heart was breaking seeing her going through struggles. She isolated herself. I sent her messages frequently just to let her know that she’s not alone until she became comfortable sharing her feelings with me. I listened and cried with her. I also encouraged her to join a life group. She was hesitant at first but eventually she enjoyed it and regularly attended once a week. Her mood slowly improved. She now volunteers, has pets and enjoys gardening.

I hope you will be comfortable sharing here, it can help you to feel less lonely and not alone. Also, having a trusted friend that you can talk to would be helpful. You can also write down your emotions in your journal, it’s like talking to a friend. I hope you feel better soon. Praying for you, God bless.