If somebody has a mental health issue or a learning/cognitive
disability and they're open to discussing it, that's often seen as a lot more
personal than talking about a physical health problem. Many will call it brave.
I think this speaks to the fact that while both can be stigmatized, mental and
cognitive issues tend to be more so. They're judged as conditions that reflect
on your character, rather than a part of your genetic makeup. This is really
unfortunate and demonstrates exactly why it's so important for the taboo to be
broken. Not that anyone with any kind of disability or health issue, mental or
otherwise, is obligated to discuss it. Privacy needs to be respected and
curiosity-assuaging explanations are not owed. But if someone is willing to
talk about their experiences with a mental health disorder or another cognitive
condition, I think it's best not to say they're oversharing or to categorize it
as more personal than other things. The reason why it's such sensitive
information is because society made it that way. Hopefully we can someday reach
a point where being vocal about it is broadly accepted, rather than brave.
