I read your comment to the other annon, and I just, do you really believe that? Like even if you don't know me or those around me, do you think most will be supporting? Cause I'm so scared of saying anything to anyone, I'm so scared that they'll tell me that I'm making it up or that I'm just trying to seem intresting or something (Idk, doesn't make sense to me, but some seem to think that it's trendy or whatever) And I'm scared that if I tell someone, they'll pass it on to my parents. Idk, sorry
Answering the last bit first, because Iâm definitely qualified on this one.
I currently work at a doctorâs surgery, as a receptionist. Before I even signed my contract, I had to sign what was basically a non-disclosure agreement, vowing to protect patient confidentiality. Iâm sure you already know that doctors are not allowed to break patient confidentiality, but I just want to illustrate to you how far that goes.
Right, say a womanâs yearly blood test results have come back - letâs call her Mrs Jane Smith - and sheâs a bit low in vitamin D. The doctor writes out a prescription for some supplements, and then asks me, the receptionist, to ring the patient and let her know that thereâs a prescription for her to pick up. I go into the patient record, find her phone number, and ring. Someone picks up and says, âHello?â
Me: Hi, can I speak to Jane Smith please.
Them: This is her husband, John. Iâm afraid Janeâs not in at the moment. Whoâs calling?
Me: My nameâs Gina. Could you ask her to ring me back on this number, please?
John: And where are you calling from?
Me: Iâm afraid I canât say over the phone.
I am not allowed to tell John that Iâm phoning from the surgery, because that would be a breach in confidentiality. It would tell him that Jane has some business here. It doesnât matter that the business in question is totally routine blood tests, or that John is her husband. Itâs just not allowed. Thatâs what confidentiality is.
Iâm going to assume that youâre a minor, and that your first port of call is a school nurse or counsellor. Most people in those roles will have this rule: they can only break confidentiality if they feel that the student is in immediate danger. But please, double check this. Walk into the office and ask, âBefore I say anything else, whatâs your confidentiality policy?â Once you have your answer, feel free to walk away and think it over before deciding whether or not you want to go back and bring up your issues.
As for whether or not I think people will be supportive, of course it will depend to an extent on people around you and their experiences, but itâs 2016. No professional will dismiss you out of hand any more. Whatâs more, there are tons of resources around. Google helpful pages for friends and family, print them out and hand them to them. (Hereâs one I just found for parents of teens with depression, and hereâs one for friends of people with depression.)Â If youâd prefer to do this before speaking to people about your issues specifically, why not put these resources in a blank envelope and leave them in your friendsâ lockers/equivalent?
There may well be some people who donât understand first off. If you can help them understand, thatâs great. Donât wear yourself out trying to make someone understand - take care of yourself above all else - but equally, donât give up on someone who gets it wrong at first. People learn, and people change.
I have to go back to work now, but I hope that helps. <3 Feel free to message again if I can be of any more use!