Posted by SLS on January 6, 2013, at 15:55:47
In reply to Why?, posted by ChicagoKat on January 6, 2013, at 11:47:23
I agree with Twinleaf.
An explanation is not an excuse. Understanding is not condonation.
There is no real blame here. Some people just can't cope with others having a chronic mental illness. It can be fatiguing, frustrating, and emotionally upsetting for them. It can be frightening, too. It gets old for us to be ill for so long. It gets old for them, too. Of course, they have the luxury of being able to separate themselves from the pain and suffering of the illness. We don't. It is sad that the people who love you should want to separate themselves from you.
There is something about "depression" and "anxiety" that seems familiar and normal to others who don't suffer from mental illness. This is because they have had experiences in life for which these same two words are attached. They wonder why you can't cope with these things while they can. Of course, you are not being asked to cope with those things. You are challenged by human conditions that are very much different and indeed foreign to those around you. These conditions are far worse in intensity and duration, and are unrelenting. Your first step might be to realize this and to give yourself the respect and admiration you deserve for surviving. You must tell yourself that you are actually very strong in the absence of affirmations by others. Your dignity and self-esteem depend on this.
You are doing a great job.
- ScottSome see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1034805
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20121231/msgs/1034836.html