Welcome back to savvy psychologist. I'm Dr. Ellen Hendrickson and as always I'll help you meet

life's challenges with evidence-based research, a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

So this week an anonymous listener from Brooklyn wrote in and wondered if she should tell people

about her social anxiety. She gets anxious when people watch her eat or drink, especially if she doesn't know them well.

And she wonders if it would be helpful just Coming out about your mental health can be tough in any situation.

Should you disclose to colleagues, to friends, on a first date, on a 20th date,

to your Michael Scott-esque boss?

Any way you slice it, it's a tough decision only you can make. And many people

stay silent because they anticipate rejection, judgment, or outright discrimination. But others decide to disclose to gain support, exercise

their civil rights, and break the stigma.

And for what it's worth, there's already a whole lot of disclosing going on. Even with a heavy topic,

specifically suicidal thoughts among individuals living with schizophrenia,

bipolar disorder, or major depression, a study led by University of Southern California researchers

found that 77% of participants had already disclosed to someone in their social network,

and every single person, 100%, planned to reach out

if suicidal thoughts ever came back.

But it's still a hard decision. Disclosures, like diamonds, are forever. They can't be

unseen, just like that uncanny resemblance between the Monopoly guy and the guy on the

Pringles can. Or maybe that's just me. The bow tie, the mustache, anyone?

Regardless, this week, let's think through whether or not to disclose your mental health.

Plus, how to do it in a style. or not to disclose your mental health.

Plus how to do it in a style that works for you.

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