If the aerodrome has an instrument approach and you cannot remain visual to the MSA you would then climb within the circling area until you reach the MSA then depart from there. This guarantees you obstacle clearance for e.g Cat B aircraft 2.66nm.
If you follow DME steps, reverse DGA, SID these are all acceptable too and will cut down time.
If you are flying a twin you must consider on departure whether you can either remain visual and land, or climb on one engine then carry out an instrument approach.
In terms of other traffic who are in IMC or on the approach, since you would have contacted center for traffic info they would have passed this on to you. Plus your broadcast on CTAF will also confirm this.