Deciding whether or not to tell people about your mental health problems or mental illness (often called “disclosing”) is a really tricky thing. Some people find that the idea of disclosing is too risky, especially because people have so many wrong ideas about what mental illness really is. Others find that by letting people at school know about their problems or their illness, that they can get the support and help they need.

Either way, you have to think about the benefits of disclosing versus the possible negative things, like the reactions of people you know, that can come from disclosing. Here are a few ideas about both sides to get you thinking. You’ll have to decide what’s best for you.

Potential benefits

Sharing information about your problems or illness with teachers and counsellors will help them understand so that they can make special arrangements and support you at school.

It can also be really helpful if teachers and other school staff know about your problems or illness so that they’ll know how to help you if there’s an emergency or crisis.

By disclosing your problems or illness, you’ll be educating others about the reality of mental health problems and their impact on life and learning.

Potential Risks

On the other hand, there are some potentially negative things that can happen if you decide to disclose. Because many people have a lack of understanding about the causes and reality of mental illness, you may not want to tell people for fear that they’ll react badly, or that they will treat you like you’re “crazy”.

You may also be afraid that if you tell school staff about your problems or illness, that everyone will end up knowing. In fact, school staff are required to treat your disclosure with respect and confidentiality. That means they can’t go around telling everyone about it just because they feel like it. Keep in mind, though, that school staff are required to report anything you might tell them about your thoughts of self harm or suicide. That can’t be kept a secret under any circumstances, because your health and safety has to come first.

Tips around disclosure

What do you want to accomplish by disclosing?
Think clearly about why you’re choosing to disclose, and what you hope to get out of it. This will help others understand what you’re expecting or asking of them, and how best to support you.

Follow your instincts
Let your conscience be your guide. Make sure that you believe a person is trustworthy before you decide to disclose to them.

Plan ahead
If you decide to disclose, plan in advance how you'll handle it. Who will you disclose to? Do you want to do the talking, or would you like someone close to you to speak on your behalf?(e.g. a parent, a friend, a mental health professional)

Make up your own mind about it
Remember, no one can force you to disclose if you don't want to. Not even your parents. It should be something that you are comfortable with

Hard to hide
Think about how stressful it will be for you to hide, or keep your problems or illness a secret. Sometimes telling someone can make you feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

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