Having to explain to the people to the people you care about most in life is understandably scary. Fears of abandonment and judgement can be overwhelming. So, lets talk about how to approach the situation.
Step 1: Take a deep breath.
Everything happens for a reason. This task may seem daunting but you are going to persevere because you are a fighter.
Step 2: Choose you you are going to tell.
Knowing about your disability is a privilege, not a right. Only you can decide what pieces someone knows about you. Everyone can know or no one can know. The choice is up to you. Do you want to tell your parent/ guardian? Does your place of employment need to know? What about Aunt Becky and Uncle Jesse? Does my best friend need to know?
Step 3: Choose a time of day to tell them.
Is it best to have this conversation in the morning, at the dinner table or maybe the weekend is better? I believe it is important to factor in enough time to be able to have a discussion with the person and allow time for questions. Also think about you and the other persons' schedule. Do you want to wait till they have a smaller work load or wait till you feel more comfortable having the discussion?
Step 4: Choose a place.
Have whatever location choose feel like a safe place. This may be a bedroom, on a walk or a coffee shop to name a few.
Step 5: Pick a medium.
This is in regards to how you present the information. Not everyone feels comfortable talking face to face so options such as creating a PowerPoint, writing a letter or talking on videocam may be better options. Be comfortable in whatever you decide to do and own it.
Step 6: Be prepared.
Before you talk to them prepare what you are going to say. Grabbing information on your diagnosis can be helpful in answering questions they may have. Anticipate questions they may ask have have some answers in your back pocket. Remember that you control how much you share and do not let anyone pressure you into anything you are uncomfortable with. Also, if you have any questions for them regarding how to procced, jot them down on a paper so you can go back to them at the end.
Step 7: Have a plan.
Incase you are not getting the reaction you were expecting, have a plan on another location you can go if you do not feel safe where you are.
Step 8: Breathe 2.0.
Walk into the meeting with confidence. I personally like to play with a stress ball when I talk about difficult things. Gather everything you need and remember: You got this!
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