I've outed myself as being depressed and the reaction has been entirely positive.
There have been a few people who have reacted "strangely" but, to be honest, having these people clearly identify themselves by their behaviour has been a net positive ;)
However, I haven't tried interviewing for jobs yet. I suspect the negatives will really show then. The rational argument (that 40% of our society will undergo treatment for a mental condition at some point, so would they prefer someone who might be mentally ill but in denial, or someone who is aware of the problem, and able to deal with it?) should work in theory.
However, almost everyone I've spoken to has either had the same issue themselves but never admitted it publicly, or has a close relative or friend struggle with the same issues and so understands to a certain extent.
I think we're seeing the beginning of the end of the stigma.
There have been a few people who have reacted "strangely" but, to be honest, having these people clearly identify themselves by their behaviour has been a net positive ;)
However, I haven't tried interviewing for jobs yet. I suspect the negatives will really show then. The rational argument (that 40% of our society will undergo treatment for a mental condition at some point, so would they prefer someone who might be mentally ill but in denial, or someone who is aware of the problem, and able to deal with it?) should work in theory.
However, almost everyone I've spoken to has either had the same issue themselves but never admitted it publicly, or has a close relative or friend struggle with the same issues and so understands to a certain extent.
I think we're seeing the beginning of the end of the stigma.