- First and most importantly, make sure you’re telling this sensitive information to people you trust completely. True friends will offer support and make an effort to be there for you during hard times.
- Note that you aren’t obligated to tell anyone anything—if you need time to process and get treatment, that’s perfectly okay. Tell them when you’re ready.
- If you want to tell them as soon as you’re diagnosed, that’s also perfectly fine: make sure you’re in a private, comfortable place surrounded by the person/people you trust or in a place where you have your friend’s undivided attention.
- Remember that everyone’s experiences are different and that they may not react the way you expected or wanted. Don’t panic—just tell them you were hoping to find support from them.
- If the conversation gets heated, walk away to avoid saying something you don’t mean.
- Know that you’re taking a major life step by telling your friends. Regardless of what happens, you should be proud that you had the courage to be your most vulnerable self—no one can take that away from you.