Source
r/adhdwomen•
Advanced_Remote7733

Just told my grandmother about my diagnosis & just need a virtual hug!

Family

My grandmother has acted more as my major caregiver than my parents, but she's also very old now and has certain ideas about mental health that meant I've kept my recent diagnosis a secret. Fast forward today, we had to talk about health insurance things and although I had vowed not to tell her, it felt like the right moment. She was really nice about it, and even though she kept saying "you must have a very mild form then", I felt like she was listening to me.

But it still feels so vulnerable! And I feel so.... exposed! She googles a lot (yes, tech savvy person in their late 80s đź‘€) so I'm a bit afraid she'll get exposed to stuff where she'll question my diagnosis, but I guess that's out of my hands...

Just wanted to rant really, and if you've read this far, thank you! I'd love to know if others have gone through something similar and what might be useful to talk about next....

xx

Posted Feb 9, 2023, 12:01 PM UTC

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CZ1988_•

I think she meant well? I find that generation has a bit of toxic positivity and poo poo "you're fine". My mother did not believe in mental health at all and thought being a good Christian would solve everything.

She was extremely toxic and would shame me for having mental health issues saying I was depressed because I liked being depressed (I was 14) (So I'm venting too because I really suffered)

So I think that generation didn't believe in mental health but it sounds like your grandma took it ok? I validate your feeling of vulnerability.

6
Dextersdidi•

Here's a virtual hug.. I guess that's all you need right now..

2
ontarioparent•

I told my mom about it and how she probably is too and she took it surprisingly well. If there’s one thing my moms aware of it’s that she’s always struggling.

2
electric29•

Here's a hug!

She is not your doctor, her opinion is irrelevant.

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