Posted by jay on January 31, 2003, at 11:27:26
In reply to Football , stigma, and divulging your illness, posted by Greg A. on January 30, 2003, at 13:09:24
Folks,This may sound completely backwards...and I really don't have the 'answer'. But, I have found that not divulging even an 'inch' of info about myself to anybody except my closest friends, in particular at work, makes things the best and easiest for me. I share little, if nothing, when I can, involving the actual 'work' I do. I know it sounds lousy, and backwards, but my thought of my job is, I go in and do my work to get my money, and I go home. And this is coming from a guy who is in social work!
See, I used to be "Mr. VERY Open", and talked about most things with almost everybody, but now it is only a VERY select person or two. That's because I got twisted, mangeled, and had everything and any little thing used against me. People and their politics at work...it's just horrific! People can be (even the best of people!) and often are judgmental, uptight, anal, highly conservative and narrow-minded.
OK..maybe it sounds pessimistic and negative, but it will keep you from getting 'burnt'..and getting 'burned out'. You can still be funny, warm, and nice, and not be rude about things, but taking this 'actively passive' role I think is healthiest for us with mental illness issues. It can also keep us sane in the craziest of places. Forget trying to 'people please'...and be 'charming'...worry about yourself and being good to yourself. Keep people guessing...don't reveal *anything*..and they will NEVER have anything on you!
Jay
poster:jay
thread:35944
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030120/msgs/35986.html