Hi. I am new to this site, and this is my first post. I have had various struggles since I was about 12 years old...they lasted through my teen years, then got somewhat better in my early-to-mid 20's, but resurfaced in a big way when I had my second child 2 years ago. My last 2 years have been a lonely, stressful roller coaster. I am realizing that I do need help to fight this off, especially for my kids' sake. However, I'm so afraid of the stigma attached to mental illness. I know I need people around me for support, but I don't want to become "the girl with all the drama" or the "whack job". I can't even come clean with my husband, because I don't want to disappoint him.
fyi, I think much of my fear stems from my teen years, when my mom said my situation was "humiliating", and when she told me that for her daughter to have a mental illness was a huge embarrassment to the family, and she hoped no one would find out. I am so ashamed, and so lonely, and so tired of hiding. I spend most of my life acting, fake-smiling, hiding how I feel, and now I just feel way too low to do this alone. I want to stop thinking of the worst. Anyway... I'm not sure what I'm looking for with this post... I guess any advice on how to ask for help? Is it ok to ask from friends/family, or does that lead to being shunned? Is this something I should try to seek a therapist for and keep my struggles confidential? I'm just so scared to lose the few people I love dearly. Thanks....
Original Post
But when it just got to be too much, I started looking for a therapist, and have been seeing my current therapist since January. And although it's happening really slowly, there is progress being made. 
Hopefully you can also find a therapist who is a good fit for you, not so you can necessarily keep your struggles confidential (although they'll do that for you anyway), but so that you can learn to let your guard down and start to heal. 