Meeting new people can be tricky, especially when you have a certain past. The question I’ve been considering is, how and when is it right to disclose this information. When is it good to be honest and open, and when it is better to keep quiet? With someone new, I firstly ask myself, “Does this person NEED to know this?” and secondly, I compare how much information is being shared by the other party, before I choose to reciprocate. Generally speaking, there is no rush to develop relationships, whether they be romantic or platonic. I’ve found it wise in the beginning to avoid personal topics that may be taboo and focus on the positives, skilfully disclosing only what I am comfortable with and only when I am ready for the response. I have come to the conclusion that in the case of my past, it is not necessary for me to disclose about my mental illness until a friendship or relationship has already been formed. The past is not who I am, it is just a fraction of the whole me that goes way beyond my mental illness.

Another small bite out of the elephant that is in the room.