The fact of a mental health misdiagnosis, when revealed to a spouse or employer, is known to cause great turmoil and alienation if not abandonment of the misdiagnosed person. At MA we believe in sharing, and this may include a member sharing their status or experience as a misdiagnosed person with those outside MA should they feel calm, confident, and certain about their choice. But sharing one’s history of misdiagnosis with others outside MA is not in any way required for membership in MA or for full participation.
In light of this, members are expected to share the name they wish to be called during MA meetings. They are not required to share their birth names, and neither should the sharing of birth names be considered to be of greater value or intimacy than sharing the name you wish to be called.
For legal reasons, those seeking to participate in leadership roles within the organization may be asked for their full legal names.
Misdiagnosed Anonymous 