Secrecy versus disclosure of mental illness among adolescents: I. The perspective of adolescents with mental illness

Abstract

Background: Many adolescents with mental illness (MI) struggle with the decision whether to disclose their condition. They may decide to keep their MI secret, whether due to fear of public stigma or due to self-stigma and shame. Secrecy may protect against discrimination, but has often negative long-term consequences such as social isolation.

Aim: To explore personal views of adolescents with MI on secrecy and disclosure of their MI.

Method: Six focus groups consisting of 39 adolescents with MI were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by qualitative content analysis to identify major themes deductively and inductively.

Results: Participants described MI as a stigmatized condition and stressed both the benefits and risks of secrecy. Disadvantages included fear of stigma and loss of friendships, benefits included emotional support and relief. Adolescents underlined the importance of individual disclosure decisions (DDs). The majority preferred selective disclosure. Additionally, the role of other adolescents with and without MI was emphasized.

Conclusions: DDs are individual and depend on social factors since stigma and fear of discrimination remain significant concerns for adolescents with MI. Implications for future interventions to support adolescents with MI are discussed.

• Mental illness
• mental health condition
• adolescents
• disclosure
• focus groups

Declaration of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.