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Concern about what others will think of your mental illness
Happy New Year's All,
I have read many of your posts and have also shared some experiences. I think Mayo Clinic is great for allowing us the opportunity to express how we feel, make connections and support one another. I recently learned that a loved one was diagnosed with a mental illness and he has been very paranoid about everything from the diagnosis itself, the thought of taking any medications but more importantly he has been concerned about what others will think of him and how he will be treated.
I guess, I am at a stage in my life where I don't see living with a mental illness as a contributing factor of my worth. This stage in the recovery process has taken many years of therapy but more important the unconditional love and acceptance that I have been lucky to have received from immediate loved ones/family has been a contributing factor.
Another factor is that it is very important for everyone to understand that living with a mental illness does not have to mean that one has to give up on life, on hopes and dreams. It does take a lot of work and sometimes it even means developing thick skin because unfortunately there are always those that lack compassion and sensitivity.
As a professional, I want you to know that I have met more people with serious challenges working helping others, when the first thing they should be doing is getting help for themselves. Kind of reminds me of "Do as I say not as I do". It's denial and I am sure you have seen this as well. The workaholic, the micromanager, the anal retentive perfectionists who is quick to make you feel worthless because they feel this way about self. Then we may have loved ones who really do not understand our condition but they should be educating themselves so they can be less judgemental and more supportive.
Just like any illness, those living with one need to know they are still loved, respected, worthy, intelligent, creative, and can still be major contributor's to their families and communities.
If you have time, google famous people with mental illnesses and you will be surprised how many people live with illnesses and lived and/or live wonderful lives in addition to struggling.
I know how it feels to be frowned at, talked about, lied about, and made to feel totally stigmatized by a label. I am at a different place today and I am grateful for this. Today, I believe that people who judge what they are unaware of or are even indignant towards others sometimes act foolishly because they have their own issues and the difference is that I am dedicated to my well being. There is no time for denial. It does not matter what the label is.
If something ails you, please get help, educate yourself, educate your loved ones, know your rights and always keep in mind...................You Are Not Alone!
Let's try to have a blessed year, be better people and first and foremost take care of ourselves (we deserve all of the blessings coming our way).
Best,
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Off to Florida for grandma's funeral tomorrow and acceptance and unconditional support just may be a challenge in a large family with lots of personalities!
I am hoping that all can remain focused....paying respect to an Angel.
Rox
I will be thinking of you. I am sure that everything will be okay, and that Grammy will be put to rest in a dignified manner which is what she truly deserves. Grammy was your beautiful angel on earth, now your beautiful angel watching down on you from heaven. God bless always Piglit
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1 ReactionThis has been tested these past few days with such a large paternal family with so many personalities and issues but family and friends are so important!!!!
Have a blessed day all,
Rox
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2 ReactionsThey most certainly are all so important and each and everyone in someway makes a difference
Life ......can be such a beautiful experience that can often be taken for granted. I want to continue growing and being a better person.
This past week forced many in my family to forgive and come together to celebrate and mourn the life of an amazing woman.
Why is it that death brings people together when most of the time everyone is so busy that one hardly ever sees them? This needs to change because it's important to show one another how much one is appreciated.
I always say "If you were not there for me in life don't come around when I'm gone".....
Have a blessed evening all.
Rox
So true Roxie, We all need to reflect on the life and what it has to offer us. We can all grow through different experiences and challenges that we are faced with. Sometimes somethings are harder than others as in the event of losing someone who we love. ThIs sad time in our lives can make us all realize that maybe it is time to forgive and move on with things and not to dwell on them. We need to make time for each other, it's sad in a way to think that the only time we do see some of family and friends is the passing of a very dear relative. Some stay, some go I know when my Dad died he had a full Naval Funeral. I was so devastated but felt comfort that everyone of his mates on the Corvette from the war were there to honour him, but then I felt sad as to why they hadn.t been there all along for him and that I had never met some of them. We all so need to be there for each other each and everyday. The world would sure be a bettter place . I think anyway. As the old saying goes we need to fly with the good times and try not to dwell too much on the dissapointing ones and the things we can't change. God Bless Piglit
Hope you are well Dr.....Have not heard back from you.
Acceptance has to start from within....The realization on a daily basis that there is good in this sometimes cruel world can be so empowering.
Rox
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2 ReactionsI try not to dwell and if I find myself doing so I try to find something to do to distract myself but I'm sure we all know that from time to time traumatizing memories creep up on us and make us feel worthless all over again.
This is one reason that weekly talk therapy is so important in the recovery process.
Rox
A really good positive approach. It's not good to dwell on things. I find talking a wpnderful way to expresss the way we feel.It's good to talk it's not good to keep it bottled up inside Piglit
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