Should I tell my partner, family, or friends about how I am feeling?

This can be a difficult situation to navigate, and unfortunately there isn’t a straightforward answer. However, in many cases, it can be helpful to share how you are feeling with others.

When you are struggling with your mental health, it can feel very isolating and heavy. Because of this, I often encourage clients to consider telling someone they trust. Having support outside of therapy can make a meaningful difference, and even sharing a small part of what you are going through can bring relief, perspective, and comfort.

That said, it can be helpful to be thoughtful and selective about who you open up to — whether that is a partner, family member, friend, or colleague. You might want to ask yourself: Who feels safest and least judgemental? Who tends to really listen rather than immediately try to fix things? And who will respect my privacy?

You do not have to tell everyone at once. It is also okay to start small, for example by saying something like, “I’ve been having a tough time lately,” or “I don’t quite feel like myself at the moment.”

You might find it helpful to test the waters by telling one person first, and then building from there at your own pace.