Back [[Domain - Occupational Wellness]] # Disclosure of mental illness ## What is disclosure? Disclosure is “the strategic decision to let others know about one’s struggle towards recovery” and it helps to “challenge self-stigma and promote self-empowerment” (Corrigan & Rao, 2012). There are different forms of disclosure; namely: - Indiscriminant Disclosure: Being open with everyone you know about your mental health condition, including details and your diagnosis. - Targeted/Selective Disclosure: Telling specific people such as close friends or your immediate supervisor at work - Inadvertent Disclosure: Others find out about your condition without you bringing it up. This may happen when symptoms of illness are visible. At the extreme end, there can be “Secrecy” where one may go into the world and not tell anyone about the illness, or “Social Avoidance” where it involves staying away from others to avoid any chance of being stigmatise. You don’t have to feel obliged to inform all your colleagues or classmates, nor share all intimate details to them. Many have found that disclosure experiences can differ. There is no one answer that is applicable for everyone. This may be a dilemma for you as you think about who to tell, what to tell and when to reveal this personal information. People generally feel that it is important to tell people who they trust, for example family members, close friends or colleagues, especially if they are understanding and supportive. Some people might consider disclosing their mental health condition to their supervisor or teachers if their illness has affected their performance at work or in school. As you consider whether to go ahead with disclosure, thinking about the benefits and consequences will help. - [[Occupational - Disclosure of mental illness at work]]