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Basic InformationMore InformationLookupsLatest NewsAutoimmune Disease, Infection Risk Factors for Mood DisordersObama Calls for National Debate on Mental HealthFor Mentally Ill, Gap in Life Expectancy Up Since 1985Latest Edition of Psychiatry's 'Bible' Launched Amid ControversySocial Considerations Not Accounted for in DSM-5Belief in God Tied to Greater Psychiatric Treatment ResponseBrain Wiring May Explain Unhealthy Obsession With LooksPsychopaths May Lack Capacity for EmpathyFaith May Complement Treatment for Mental IllnessHospitalization OK for Psych Patients Can Take HoursMental Health Seaches on Web Follow a Seasonal PatternSeverely Injured Vets May Need Ongoing Emotional CareGoogle Search Trends Suggest Mental Woes Vary by SeasonsMental Illness a Frequent Cell Mate for Those Behind BarsU.S. Must Step Up Response to Vets, Report SaysNews Coverage of Shootings May Boost Stigma of Mental IllnessPeople With Mental Illness Make Up Large Share of U.S SmokersADHD Can Often Persist Into AdulthoodSNPs Confer Risk for Multiple Psychiatric DisordersChildhood Bullying Linked to Adult Psychiatric OutcomesShared Genes May Link ADHD, Autism and DepressionPeople With Disabilities More Likely to Become Victims of ViolenceAntipsychotic Rx for 22 Percent of Nursing Home ResidentsSmoking Rates Much Higher Among the Mentally Ill: CDCPsychiatric Drugs More Often Prescribed in the SouthMarked Geographic Variation in Mental Health Medication UseSocial Withdrawal, Isolation Should Be Addressed in YoungMental Disorders Linked With Domestic Violence, Study SaysFor Psychiatric Patients, Cancer Is Often Spotted Too LateWorkplace Bullying Takes Toll on Witnesses Too, Study FindsBenzodiazepines Linked to Higher Risk of PneumoniaADHD Can Cause Lifelong Problems, Study FindsConcerns for Long-Term Safety of Antipsychotics in Over 40sSAMHSA: Prevalence of Mental Illness in U.S. Stable in 2011Psychiatry Gets Revised Diagnostic ManualMental Illness Affects 1 in 5 U.S. Adults, Survey FindsLong-Term Use of Some Antipsychotics Not Warranted in Older Adults: StudyFor Many, 'Superstorm' Sandy Could Take Toll on Mental HealthMore Evidence Linking Creativity, Mental IllnessDeployment Affects Mental Health of Relief WorkersWhere You Live May Boost Your Sense of Well-BeingPsych, Sleep Meds May Affect DrivingPhysical Ailments Take Toll on Mental Health: StudySerious Mental Illness Tied to Higher Cancer, Injury Risk: StudiesGenes Influence Whether Psych Drugs Lead to Weight GainAging Boomers' Mental Health Woes Will Swamp Health System: ReportFamily History of Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder May Up Kids' Risk for AutismEmployment Key to Helping Veterans Adjust to Life Back HomeCannabis Use for Fibromyalgia Linked to Poor Mental HealthU.S. Soldier in Custody Following Slaying of 5 Americans in Iraq Questions and AnswersLinksBook Reviews |
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Disclosure #2: How Do I Tell My Boyfriend About My IllnessesWed, Jul 30th 2003I have several mental illnesses (bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and various problems with anxiety) and am also in recovery for several addictive behaviors. Despite this, I have been a high-functioning member of society, managing to complete a college degree, remain consistently employed since college graduation, and live independently; therefore, many people, including some members of my family, do not know the extent of my illness. I have been fortunate enough to have a supportive family, a small group of friends and acquaintances with potential, and an understanding employer. Unfortunately, I have also lost a few friends and some professional respect due to both my illness and inappropriate disclosure of my illness. I am concerned about relationships with the opposite sex, if I should choose to become involved in one. Assuming that the gentleman with whom I am involved is neither in recovery nor living with mental illness, at what point is it appropriate to disclose my conditions, if at all? THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION WILL NOT BE DISPLAYED UNTIL YOU HAVE INDICATED YOUR AGREEMENT WITH THE DISCLAIMER PRINTED JUST BELOW. CLICK THE 'I AGREE' BUTTON TO AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND SEE THE RESPONSE.
- 'Anne' is the pseudonym for the individual who writes this relationship advice column.
- 'Anne' bases her responses on her personal experiences and not on professional training or study. She does not represent herself to be a psychologist, therapist, counselor or professional helper of any sort. Her responses are offered from the perspective of a friend or mentor only.
- Anne intends her responses to provide general information to the readership of this website; answers should not be understood to be specific advice intended for any particular individual(s).
- Questions submitted to this column are not guaranteed to receive responses.
- No correspondence takes place.
- No ongoing relationship of any sort (including but not limited to any form of professional relationship) is implied or offered by 'Anne' to people submitting questions.
- 'Anne', Mental Help Net and CenterSite, LLC make no warranties, express or implied, about the information presented in this column. 'Anne' and Mental Help Net disclaim any and all merchantability or warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or liability in connection with the use or misuse of this service.
- Always consult with your psychotherapist, physician, or psychiatrist first before changing any aspect of your treatment regimen. Do not stop your medication or change the dose of your medication without first consulting with your physician.
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