Who Comes Out With Their Mental Illness and How Does It Help?

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2016 Mar;204(3):163-8. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000461.

Abstract

Coming out with mental illness may be an effective strategy for reducing self-stigma. This study examined predictors and consequences of coming out. Participants (N = 106) with severe mental illness who reported being out (n = 79) or not out (n = 27) endorsed benefits of being out (BBOs) and reasons for staying in. Predictors from baseline measures were self-stigma, insight, and psychiatric diagnosis. Three outcome measures-basic psychological needs, care engagement, and depression-were also completed at baseline and 1-month follow-up. Among participants already out, BBOs and reasons for staying in were significantly and independently associated with self-stigma, insight, and lifetime affective diagnoses. In terms of consequences, BBOs were associated with cross-sectional and 1-month measures of engagement for those already out, but not for closeted participants. Among closeted participants, BBOs were associated with baseline and 1-month measures of basic psychological needs. Implications for strategies meant to promote disclosure in order to decrease self-stigma are considered.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Stigma*
  • Truth Disclosure*