Just to chip in from a female perspective, I agree that men have the toxic social pressure of being the strong, stoical gender, but by the same token, I've lost count of times I've been told to smile/ cheer up/ don't be so serious etc- since women also have the pressure of having to always be cheery and light. Both pressures are equally toxic and destructive, and I do think (from my female pow) that it's a bit of a myth that we find it so much easier to talk about these issues. I had a friend break down in tears on me only a few weeks ago, because I told her I was on medication and seeing a counsellor, and she thought she was the only one who was experiencing depression.
(Just to be clear, cos the internet is rubbish for "tone"- I'm not trying to challenge your comments, cos I agree, but just offering up what it's like as a women, hope it comes across that way)
In my experience (and as you can see on here, everyone has different experiences)- the first time round (10 years ago), I was not in any state to be receptive to talking to someone, so it didn't really work that well. This time I've gone in with the clear idea of what I want to try and alter in my behaviour, or talk about/ find out why I behave in certain ways- and that seems to be working better.
That's my long winded way of saying, maybe approach it with what you want to get out of it?
I totally identify with this- in terms of mood swings that's exactly how I was last year, and I have to say, taking medication has reduced that drastically, to the point where I cried with relief after they properly kicked in (after about a month) because I felt "normal" again, for the first time in years. It's allowed me to take a step back and be more open with talking to someone- so I would recommend meds from that point of view.
As for family- mine are utterly useless in terms of being able to talk to them, so having that stranger really helps. Happy to chat further- here or on PM if it helps.
