Even though mood disorders are common, treatable disorders, many people still feel there's a "stigma" to being diagnosed with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder—perhaps because as recently as fifty years ago, mental illness was thought of as a single incurable disease.
With advances in medicine, many different types of mental illnesses have been identified and disorder-specific treatments are now available. Yet, some people remain afraid to admit there's something wrong because they think there's no solution and they don't want to be diagnosed as "crazy."
The reality is that seeking treatment is one of the sanest things any person suffering from a mood disorder can do. People who get help are usually perceived as healthier than people who continue to try to manage their symptoms in secret.
There are also common misunderstandings about depression and anxiety. Mood disorders are a real medical condition—they aren't caused by a weakness of character or will. You can't be cured by someone telling you to "cheer up" or "calm down."
If you're diagnosed with a mood disorder, you have a choice about how much and with whom you want to share information about your condition. You're not obliged to share or broadcast your diagnosis—other than to people to whom you're looking for support, guidance or understanding.
Most people find it helpful to be completely honest with their doctors and therapists. They can't help you if you mislead them about the nature or severity of your symptoms. You may also find comfort in sharing your concerns and experiences with a support group made up of people struggling with the same symptoms. There may also be friends and family members in your life you can turn to for support—if you feel you can trust them with confidential information.
If confronted by questions you don't want to answer, try to stay calm and be prepared with responses such as:
"Why do you ask?" or "That's an awfully personal question," or "I'm not sure I want to share my medical history with you (or in this setting)."
If confronted with misinformation or advice about changing your treatment, you can say: "I'm not sure you're up on the latest research," or "That's not what my doctor told me." Other possible responses might be: "Interesting. That hasn't been my experience," or "Thanks for your input, but I have a lot of confidence in my (doctor/therapist)."
As you gain months and years of symptom-free living, you may want to share your experience and hope with others who are struggling to accept and live with their initial diagnosis.
Don't give up hope if the first medication or therapy you try doesn't produce immediate results. Do ask your doctor about how soon you can reasonably expect a medication to take effect and if you aren't feeling better at that time, ask about other options. Tell you doctor about any side effects you experience that weren't described to you before you started taking the medication.
There are many treatments available—and other people in your support group or groups may be using different methods or medications. There may be people who are very "proud" that they "don't need" medication or therapy and will encourage you to deviate from your treatment plan.
Try not to make your healthcare a group decision. Work with your physician to find a solution that works for you and resist the temptation to try the "flavor of the month" before you've had a chance to see what the treatment plan prescribed for you can do.
Most importantly, don't stop or reduce the amount of medication you're taking without first consulting your doctor. Don't confuse an absence of symptoms with "a cure." If it's working, what's the benefit in giving it up? Try to remember how you felt before you started taking it—because chances are good the symptoms will return once the medication is out of your system.
