When you find out someone you've known (acquaintance, coworker, family, friend, etc.) has a mental illness, how do you react/respond?

I’ve looked at this from both sides now.

The way that I view mental illnesses is the same way I would view someone with a physical illness. I would not treat them any differently now that I know they have a mental illness. If this person has confided in you that they have one, you should give them support and let them know you are there for them. If you turn away from them now, it might make the person think that they are different and not seek help. People with mental illnesses need to know that they are supported and can trust someone. When people have mental illnesses they need to seek help but there is a stigma that they arent like the rest of us, so most of them dont. If you know someone that is please support them and encourage them to get help and let them know you are there for them..

Welcome to the club.

I grew up with a brother who has schizophrenia, so I am not uncomfortable with it.

I’m used to it. It has no affect on my friendships! I have no good or bad feelings about them. It’s just their brain chemistry or stress syndromes or genetics. And they tend to be interesting.

I don’t consider ADD or ADHD to be mental illnesses nor occasional depressions. If someone I’d known well for some time was suddenly diagnosed with something else then I’d be really surprised to have not noticed earlier something was startlingly awry. I’d not be any different around them as before unless they’d developed violent tendencies.

I’m very supportive since I have a mental illness myself. Being on this side of the equation, I can say that I’ve experienced all sorts of reactions. There have been the concerned, helpful people. Some are overly concerned and want to nurse me back to health. Of course, there are the ones who run away as fast as they can. I think what I like the most are the ones who simply ask if I need anything and leave it at that.

Thank you! I love you! Let’s make a club!

I would be just thrilled if someone revealed this to me. I am always excited to meet someone else who knows the real deal.

But I would never reveal this to anyone who is in any kind of supervisory position over me. I may have mentioned it to some people on my hall who are friends, but really have nothing to do with my job. I don’t remember, and they don’t say anything about it now that I’m better.

I have not told my family, of course. If you knew them, you’d know why the “of course” is there. If any of them ever came out to me, it would be such a relief.

I would treat this person like i treat everyone, with kindness and respect.

I totally agree with blueknight73!

Seeming as though 90% of the people I know have mental issues whether officially diagnosed or not.

I try to be supportive, I try to learn about what it is and how I can help them and I share my own experiences.

One in five Americans has some sort of emotional illness. Think of four of your friends. Do they seem sane? Then its YOU! LOL!

@wundayatta Mine is straight depression, and lack of self-esteem (on occasions) and similar stuff.

But a club? What would we call it? Mentals-R-Us? (Scoff, scoff.) Pill-Poppers-R-Us? (Nah!)

Would we have parties with lots of coloured ballons and good-tasting, but healthy, junk food?

Would there be a membership fee, and an international convention, or at least a cyber-convention?

Would there be (RRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPP as the needle is dragged across the record player, and the men in white coats come and take me away!)

I do ramble sometimes. And I freely admit to a cracked sense of humour.

I just shrug my shoulders and go along as I always had.