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It’s difficult for people to ask for help, especially when it comes to admitting to having some mental issues.  We expose a lot by doing so since it requires opening up our heart and mind to others.  Unlike physical injuries and diseases, another person can’t see them and understand on some level.  It has to be explained.  Here are seven tips to helping one talk about their mental illness:

1. Do not feel shame.  More people suffer than you may realize, so you are not alone.  Easier said than done.
2. Do not be afraid to cry.  It’s scary to speak about such things.  Emotions will run high and crying may be inevitable.
3. Do not be afraid to ramble.  Speaking about your mental health can lead to a lot of self-reflection and nervous rambling.  It could be that your mind is trying to process while you explain.  This is natural.
4. Do not be afraid to stop talking if uncomfortable.  Everyone has their own limits, so don’t push yourself too far.  If you’ve hit a point where you can’t go on, say so to the other person and do what needs to be done to relax.
5. Do not let yourself be forced into speaking.  You talk about your mental health on your own time and terms.  You might not be ready, so state that you are not and ask that the person be patient.
6. Understand that you are not a freak.  Mental illness is very common.  1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness every year.  More than 50% of the human population will be diagnosed at some point in their life.  Keep in mind that many will not get help, so they would not be diagnosed even if they have something.  This means that the majority of humanity has some form of mental illness.  You are TRULY not alone.
7. Understand that you are more than your mental illness.  Another difficult challenge, but these things can consume your life and identity.  Many may look at you solely through that lens.  Even if they do, you need to find ways to remind yourself that you are not just a mental illness wrapped in hair and skin.  You have dreams, loves, hobbies, memories, and many other things that exist outside of this.  Those are essential parts of your identity and exist to help counter the influence of mental illness.  Again, easier said than done.