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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by deirdrehbrt on April 15, 2004, at 19:07:53
Thinking about the 'becomming your diagnosis' thread, I was thinking about why so many of my friends are ill.
It seems that many, if not most of my friends are ill too. I think though that I know why. When I was working in engineering, my friends were engineers too. We had something in common that occupied much of our lives. Discussing engineering was normal, we could understand each other's problems.
Now, I'm saddled with a mental illness. It isn't going to go away on it's own. It occupies my thoughts easily as much as did my former career. I can't expect though, to be able to talk about this, or find support from anyone who hasn't experienced it. They just can't understand. It was the same with engineering. If someone asked me about my job, I had to try and figure out just what they might be able to understand.
Just as most people who haven't worked in my former industry are unable to understand the intricacies of testing electronic components, few people who haven't lived with a mental illness can understand just how deeply these illnesses can invade our lives. We need each other to find that support and acceptance. The idea that many people can be scared of us just because they don't understand is quite true.
Well, that's my take on it. What do you guys think?Dee.
Posted by Poet on April 16, 2004, at 22:12:30
In reply to Mentally Ill Friends, posted by deirdrehbrt on April 15, 2004, at 19:07:53
Hi Dee,
I only have one friend that knows I'm bulimic, I had suspected she was anorexic for years. I finally told her I was bulimic, and she opened up about anorexia. I know I can't talk about bulimia with anyone else, because they don't get it.
I talk about depression with a friend who has depression.
I have many other friends, but don't feel comfortable talking about what ails me with them.
I think your analogy about talking about work with co-workers and mental illness with others with mental illness is perfect.
Poet
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 17, 2004, at 12:31:49
In reply to Mentally Ill Friends, posted by deirdrehbrt on April 15, 2004, at 19:07:53
> Thinking about the 'becomming your diagnosis' thread, I was thinking about why so many of my friends are ill...
Sorry to interrupt, but I hope it's OK if I redirect this thread to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040414/msgs/337173.html
Thanks,
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
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