Posted by Llurpsie_Noodle on January 16, 2007, at 18:05:52
In reply to Re: Deep breath, posted by Deneb on January 16, 2007, at 14:12:39
> >My Mom thinks I should deny any and all problems I have no matter what. She told me that even if I were mentally retarded I should never ever admit that there is anything wrong with me. I don't think she would support me going to a mental health support site. She doesn't support me seeing a T or taking medication.
>
> I don't get my Mom. She did tell me to deny all problems, but I just learned she isn't against me talking to my T or taking medications.
>
> Deneb*Deneb,
It's okay not to "get" your mom. I don't think any of us "get" our moms all the time. Or even for important stuff. I am understanding my mom more and more these days. Helps that my T is kind of in the same demographic as my mom. It makes it more credible for me to understand how some things my mom does are highly unusual if it comes from someone with knowledge of what is "typical" in certain populations.I'm not surprised that your mom wants you to deny your weaknesses. Parents have a lot of reasons for wanting that. 1. It might make them feel that people will think less of them as a parent. 2. belief that private things should remain inside the family. 3. Looking out for your best interests as you encounter people in the world who don't understand mental illness. 4. She doesn't want to be reminded that her daughter struggles with problems that she cannot fix. etc.
I'm SO happy to hear that she is not against you taking medication or seeing your pdoc/T. Of course, if she *were* against it, you'd know by now. She'd make it difficult for you to schedule and keep appts, or she might make if difficult for you to obtain your medications.
It sounds like you had a really important discussion with her. Have you guys ever talked about the effect of your mental illness on family life with a counsellor? I understand that there might be language barriers, etc. I also think that it might help you to understand how your parents feel about you, and the extent of their love for you. It might also make day-to-day living a little smoother if they can understand the types of things that you struggle with. (I'm also thinking of your younger sibling). As a younger sibling of someone who had severe depression and psychosis... well, I guess I would have appreciated it if someone could have sat down and explained to me what was going on. Instead I got the idea that if I ever told anyone what happened at home that my older brother would be sent away to an "insane asylum" for the rest of his ? and I would be responsible for violating the family's privacy. (yeah, I got issues) anyways, just wanted to throw that suggestion out there. family counselling. hip hip hooray...
-Ll
poster:Llurpsie_Noodle
thread:721248
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20070112/msgs/722968.html