6. How to Share Your Story Safely

One of the most important questions you can ask before sharing your mental health story is this:

‍Can I tell my story in a way that keeps both myself and my audience safe?

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Storytelling is an art. Done well, it has the power to reach into people's hearts, stir their imagination, and shift their worldview. But with that power comes responsibility.

Sharing safely means being intentional. It means thinking about your audience’s wellbeing, protecting your own emotional state, and making choices that honour the complexity and impact of your lived experience.

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Safety First—For You and Them

Stories don’t need to be stripped of pain to be safe. In fact, some of the most powerful stories are also the most painful. But pain can be healing or harmful—depending on how it’s delivered, and when.

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Disinfectant stings, but it helps. A good story can be the same. But without care, it can also open wounds that are not yet ready to heal.

Some listeners may relate so closely to your story that it touches raw, unresolved parts of their own. While you can’t control how someone receives your story, there are ways to minimise distress while still being real and impactful.

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Use General Terms Instead of Graphic Detail

Specifics can be powerful—but they can also be triggering. Here’s where general language is often safer and more effective:

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviours: Avoid describing methods or locations, as it can lead to imitation (especially among vulnerable audiences).
• Eating disorders: Don’t mention exact weights, measurements, or behaviours that could fuel unhealthy comparisons.
• Substance use: Avoid specific quantities or frequencies, as this may unintentionally glorify the behaviour.
• Trauma: Omit graphic detail. Instead, reference the type of trauma and focus on its emotional impact and how you coped.

Saying “I experienced trauma that left me feeling unsafe for years” is often more powerful—and safer—than listing specific acts.

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Use Trigger Warnings

If your story contains potentially distressing content, let people know upfront. A simple statement like “This story includes references to mental illness and grief” gives your audience a chance to prepare, opt out, or engage at a safer time and place.

You can also reassure your audience by reminding them that you’re in a stable place now, especially if your story is intense. For people who tend to over-identify or over-empathise, this reassurance can help keep them emotionally grounded.

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Be Mindful of Others Involved

Even if the story is yours, it may include others—especially if you're sharing as a supporter or referencing loved ones. Here’s how to handle that:

• Check in with those involved before sharing. Ask: “Are you okay with me mentioning this?”
• Clarify boundaries—what names, details, or emotions are they comfortable with?
• Prepare for reactions. Sometimes family or friends might feel blindsided, hurt, or even defensive. They may see your story differently. Stay respectful, but remember: you have the right to tell your truth.

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Choose What to Share (and What to Hold Back)

There might be parts of your story that still feel too raw. That’s okay. You don’t need to share everything all at once. Trust your intuition. Hold back anything that you’re not ready to speak publicly about.

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Get Support

Before going public, loop in your trusted support network—friends, family, or a therapist. They can help you:

• Reflect on how your story lands
• Spot potential risks or emotional blind spots
• Be there for you emotionally once the story is out

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Choose the Right Time

Even when you're generally in a stable place, timing matters. Think about what else is going on in your life. Is there an upcoming anniversary, loss, or emotionally charged event that might leave you more vulnerable than usual?

If the timing feels off, pause. You don’t need to force it. There’s no deadline for healing—or storytelling.

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Understand Legal Boundaries

In some cases, naming individuals (such as perpetrators) or making specific claims may carry legal risk. If you’re unsure, especially in sensitive or potentially defamatory situations, speak to a legal advisor. There is always a way to tell your truth safely and honestly, without compromising your integrity or your protection.