Posted by sienna on March 12, 2003, at 18:20:43
In reply to Re: tough question, posted by mair on March 11, 2003, at 16:45:07
Hi Mair,
thanks. I think I am just freaking out. It is very confusing too though. Its hard not to see things in black and white sometimes. Like i am either a horrible despicable person or I am a really nice sweet smart funny wonderful person. Im just a mess right now. Thanks for writing.
Sienna
> I think the answer here is that what you're describing (the feelings of worthlessness and stupidity) are symptoms, not personality traits. People like you because they realize that your symptoms are just that, but they are not you. Also, the fact that you may have trouble taking care of yourself has nothing to do with being stupid or horrible or worthless or any other awful adjective you might want to apply. You're a person with a disease; you are not the disease and it doesn't define you.
>
> Your question is legitimate for some of us because I think my more objectionable qualities exist wholly independent of depression, and I can have a very subjective dislike of myself in the same way that you might not like your neighbor, for instance. I don't look at it as being hard on myself; just a realistic appraisal. Other people may see me differently, but I am, afterall, with me all the time.
poster:sienna
thread:208139
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030308/msgs/208507.html