Journal of Student Research 2015

221 Social Networks of University Students with Mental Illness Glen, who did not tell Gabby of his illness until the interview, explains why he also would talk about specific situations of symptoms rather than the mental illness itself: I talk about it (perfectionism anxiety and depression) with my par ents and brothers. Select friends I share the symptoms with a lot, but I rarely ever share the actual diagnosis with people. The words seem to bring expec tations and assumptions I like to avoid. I hate that it is a diagnosis, so usually I talk about symptoms or emotions. It was a common theme between the interviewees that the mental ill ness’s specific name was not brought up in conversations between the friends who were interviewed. Instead the individuals would bring up symptoms of the illness they were experiencing for emotional or social support from their friend. Additionally, people with a mental illness felt supported by friends, by simply feeling accepted for who they were as individuals. Although, acceptance of oneself was not an option on the survey, for an example of friendship support, one individual felt strongly enough about it that they included it in the “other” section, writing in, “being accepting of my values and life even though they might not always be comfortable with it.” In the interviews Dorothy explained how she felt accepted by Cathy and that made her feel supported:She understands me, and loves and accepts me regardless of the circumstances or condition I am in. She is trustworthy and someone I can confide in. She’s the most non-judgmental person I know. She has a way of listening to me that really makes me feel loved and important. the mental illnesses as a significant factor in their friendships. Friends of the interviewees with a mental illness and interviewees with a mental illness tend ed to reinforce the idea that a mental illness is not seen as a significant factor in their relationships. Gina, who has ADD and is friends with Zina, who also has ADD, explained that one possible negative factor of ADD, is more relat ed to prescription medication, rather than the actual illness: Only in terms of medication because of the bad side effects, like people lose weight, more anxious, more on edge, agitated a lot, hyper focus and not as personable. You’re just not yourself. You’re not as fun to be around. I’ve even heard of people even having decrease in sex drives because of it. I honestly don’t think it (having ADD) matters though. We live with each oth er, but we don’t live with each other’s mental illness. And I think that Zina’s ADD honestly makes her more fun to be around sometimes because it can help to make her that much wilder and fun. Perceived Impacts of Mental Illness on Friendship During the interviews, the individuals were asked if they perceived