Psycho-Babble Psychology Thread 96

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Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question?

Posted by Bookgurl99 on May 24, 2002, at 17:33:57

In reply to how do YOU handle the mental illness question?, posted by terra miller on May 23, 2002, at 9:44:23

I find that I don't perceive myself as having a mental illness. I'm aware that I do -- if I'm having memory problems due to anxiety, I must.

I find that I am struggling against these symptoms, struggling not to succumb to mental illness -- striving to create a stable, happy life for myself despite the illness.

There are long periods of time -- years -- in which my life is 'uninterrupted' by illness. I go kayaking, fall in love, go to school, work. Then out of the blue -- whoosh -- some worsening of my previous symptoms impacts my life. It can be immensely disheartening.

It is difficult to acknowledge being 'mentally ill,' in part I think because of the social attitude. Isn't it just a 'weakness'? But I think acknowledging the difficulty and persisting despite it are both part of the cure.

 

inner self

Posted by Bookgurl99 on May 24, 2002, at 17:35:20

In reply to how do YOU handle the mental illness question?, posted by terra miller on May 23, 2002, at 9:44:23

I also find that there's a 'seed,' an inner self inside me that remains unchanged, despite the traumatic experiences I'm going through. That -- despite the changes -- there is something that is essentially 'me.'

Does anyone else feel this way? I feel that it may be a clue to the nature of existence -- *pondering the purpose of life*

:D

 

Re: inner self » Bookgurl99

Posted by Dinah1 on May 24, 2002, at 17:44:04

In reply to inner self, posted by Bookgurl99 on May 24, 2002, at 17:35:20

I think that's wonderful. It's something I am lacking in completely. I have no continuing sense of who I am at all. Although others tell me I'm more constant than I feel.

Maybe that's one of the many meanings of "ego".

 

Re: inner self » Bookgurl99

Posted by terra miller on May 24, 2002, at 22:02:43

In reply to inner self, posted by Bookgurl99 on May 24, 2002, at 17:35:20

i'm totally confident that i put away long ago who i was meant to be before being traumatized, and i believe that this part of me has always been nurtured and protected and kept pure and innocent. no one bad can touch it. and that's what keeps me going. some say inner self, or inner child. i just know that, as an adult, i play better than most because i am aware of myself inside. i think really that we're all kids in a way.

terra

 

Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question?

Posted by ST on May 25, 2002, at 4:25:26

In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » terra miller, posted by IsoM on May 24, 2002, at 0:42:09

HI,

Good question. IsoM is right on, I think, in how to deal.

I've never been asked that directly, but I am completely open about it. I want to de-stigmatize menatl illness. It's really a cause for me. I honestly hope that someday I am in a position to reach large numbers of people in order to inform and de-mystify depression and mental illness. On the few occasions I've taken my meds in public and nosy people have innocently asked, "Oh, what are you taking, vitamins?" I repond: "Actually it's Wellbutrin, which is an antidepressant. Want some?" They usually start laughing and then say, "Wow, you don't even seem depressed." It's then an opportunity for me to inform them a little without overloading them with info. In the end, these people walk away with less fear, suspicion and bias.

When I was first diagnosed with bipolar II, I wanted it hidden. I told my friends to never tell anyone and hid it form my agent, my bosses, my co-workers, EVERYONE. I was sure I'd never find a boyfriend again. I thought no one would want to work with me. I am blessed that I work in a business where most of the people are "mentally ill" on some level. I honestly don't know how I'd deal with it if I wasn't.

So, I look at it as an opportunity every time an uninformed person crosses my path.

Sarah

 

Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » Phil

Posted by ST on May 25, 2002, at 4:31:46

In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » IsoM, posted by Phil on May 24, 2002, at 6:36:56

Phil, what a great list! Thank you.

 

Re: Ten Different Answers » Phil

Posted by IsoM on May 25, 2002, at 15:00:20

In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » IsoM, posted by Phil on May 24, 2002, at 6:36:56

Phil, you always make me smile or laugh. Damn, you should be a stand-up comedian (in your cowboy hat & thong)!

Think I'll stop giving a sensible answer about 'mental illness' & choose answer #2 - "Run away screaming and waving my arms wildly." More fun & I'm sure the exercise will do me good.

 

Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » sid

Posted by Phil on May 25, 2002, at 20:23:15

In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » Phil, posted by sid on May 24, 2002, at 8:17:23

No, but if Cynthia Kereluk would have me, I'm willing to move...tomorrow.
I got the list off of Dr Ivan's site. Lot's of info there.

 

different dx's=different stigma level??

Posted by terra miller on May 25, 2002, at 21:07:56

In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question?, posted by ST on May 25, 2002, at 4:25:26

i don't know that i will ever be able to be direct about it. i can't imagine saying to the driver's license person, for example, "yes and this is why."

i wonder if it matters: if you are asked the "mental illness" question, and you answer yes and talk about depression vs. if you answer bipolar (that is, the general population i'm assuming has more knowledge of depression) or ???

not to say that one dx is better/worse/different than another. i'm just waxing philosophical i suppose.

can you imagine trying to explain to a driver's licensing person why you should be allowed to drive even though, according to your "mental illness" you are known to heavily dissociate? (a little comical relief.)

~terra

 

Re: different dx's=different stigma level??

Posted by Phil on May 25, 2002, at 21:30:44

In reply to different dx's=different stigma level??, posted by terra miller on May 25, 2002, at 21:07:56

But I always drive in the narcolepsy lane.

I'm not telling them sh*t. Why don't they ask if you plan on driving drunk or trying to drive as you rack up 2000 minutes a month on your cell phone. I love these people dialing their phone as they round a corner headed straight for my ass.
They have a baby in the back of their Lincoln Navigator...somewhere. That bus must have a navigation system pointing the way to gas stations around the universe.
I work for the state. We're all on meds or alcohol.

 

Re: --- a short interruption ----

Posted by Zo on May 26, 2002, at 3:06:43

In reply to Re: different dx's=different stigma level??, posted by Phil on May 25, 2002, at 21:30:44


Pardon me, I know this is off-topic, but I have been on Admin, and I just need a moment to scream.

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!

Thank you.

*Nobody* is appreciating my subject lines, btw, in the current, um, matter at hand.

You may go back to your thread now.

Zo

 

(speaking of mental illness) (nm)

Posted by Zo on May 26, 2002, at 3:10:01

In reply to Re: --- a short interruption ----, posted by Zo on May 26, 2002, at 3:06:43

 

Re: --- a short interruption ---- » Zo

Posted by Phil on May 26, 2002, at 5:33:56

In reply to Re: --- a short interruption ----, posted by Zo on May 26, 2002, at 3:06:43

Cracked me up at 5:30 in the morning. Thanks!!
Phil

 

Re: that was not about therapy » Zo

Posted by dinah 2 on May 26, 2002, at 9:12:19

In reply to (speaking of mental illness) (nm), posted by Zo on May 26, 2002, at 3:10:01

Does this really belong here? Perhaps the 2000 or 2001 board could be used for laughing at others.

 

Unless of course....

Posted by dinah 2 on May 26, 2002, at 9:15:19

In reply to Re: that was not about therapy » Zo, posted by dinah 2 on May 26, 2002, at 9:12:19

you were referring to yourself. Sorry I hadn't considered that possibility.

Then this board would be perfectly appropriate.

 

Re: Laughing at others? » dinah 2

Posted by Phil on May 26, 2002, at 10:16:32

In reply to Re: that was not about therapy » Zo, posted by dinah 2 on May 26, 2002, at 9:12:19

Where is that happening? Enlighten me.

 

No idea who she is! (nm) » Phil

Posted by sid on May 26, 2002, at 13:46:18

In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » sid, posted by Phil on May 25, 2002, at 20:23:15

 

Re: that was not about therapy » dinah 2

Posted by ST on May 27, 2002, at 2:32:56

In reply to Re: that was not about therapy » Zo, posted by dinah 2 on May 26, 2002, at 9:12:19

Dinah,
I don't think she's laughing *at* anyone. I think humor is relevant and vital and actually needed in our lives. Especially people like us who are thrown so many road blocks!
Sarah

 

Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question?

Posted by DanO on June 14, 2002, at 18:57:23

In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » Phil, posted by sid on May 24, 2002, at 8:17:23

Boy, I must be the odd-ball! Everyone here has depression, I am Bi-polar, Skitzo-affective type. Anyway, nobody has asked me that question yet, probably because I can seem so normal on meds. But they do ask why I take meds. I tell them it's for a chemical imbalance, and so far nobody has asked wahat that is yet.

 

Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question?

Posted by melinda on June 18, 2002, at 18:51:18

In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question?, posted by DanO on June 14, 2002, at 18:57:23

Looks like there are 2 of us odd-balls, DanO ;) I have paranoid schizophrenia.

I've never been directly asked if I have a mental illness. But if I were asked, I think my answer would depend on who's asking. A co worker...nope. A doctor...yep. My family...yep. Friends...yep/nope.

 

Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question?

Posted by askBob on June 22, 2002, at 21:40:08

In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question?, posted by melinda on June 18, 2002, at 18:51:18

Hey, gang. Unless you are talking to a close friend or a confidential support group (like a 12 step anonymous group) -- NO ONE needs to know you are taking meds or seeing a therapist. Seriously -- be strong and keep your info to trusted confidants. It is a competitive world out there, and people will see unnecessary self-revelation as weakness.

 

To tell or not?

Posted by Willow on June 23, 2002, at 15:25:18

In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question?, posted by askBob on June 22, 2002, at 21:40:08

I have to agree with AskBob, but what if your symptoms are obvious??

Wondering Willow

 

Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question?

Posted by trouble on June 24, 2002, at 3:40:04

In reply to how do YOU handle the mental illness question?, posted by terra miller on May 23, 2002, at 9:44:23

> When someone asks you if you have a "mental illness," does your stomach start to get into knots? Do you just want to say, "No"? To qualify it doesn't seem to do anything but "prove" to them that you're trying to hide something (like stigma, maybe?!.... sometimes I'm just not up to reeducating the general population about stigma, you know.)
>
> I don't feel "mentally ill." (I'm not even sure what that is interpreted as in our society anymore. I don't think many take it at face value as "having a brain that needs a little extra help right now.")
>
> Just wondered if any of you have had to ponder how to answer that question when/if it comes up?
>
> ugh.
>
TERRA?

Hi.
Who's asking you if you're mentally ill and why?

trouble


 

Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » waterlily

Posted by trouble on June 24, 2002, at 3:47:12

In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » waterlily, posted by kazoo on May 23, 2002, at 22:33:54

> > How can you blame that on diet?
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Eat Twinkies, commit murder, claim mental illness, get away with murder; however, don't ask Dan White ... he committed suicide on October 21, 1985.
>
> You did say "diet," didn't you?
>
> [ In memory of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. ]
>
> kazoo


hey kazoo,

sorry if you hate me but i just wanted to say that it's brilliant sharp dead-on clarity like yours that keeps me slumming around this place.

take care,
you nailed it.

trouble

 

Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question?

Posted by trouble on June 24, 2002, at 3:54:50

In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question?, posted by terra miller on May 23, 2002, at 22:43:28

> i remember being asked that question when getting my driver's license (they rattle that off with a list of about 10 other questions.) i always say, "no" because that's what i'm supposed to say, but i always feel like i am lying. i had to answer that on a job application recently.
>
> they should be worried about those who have a mental illness and aren't aware of it.
>
> with national events, at least PTSD seems more understood these days (ie: i don't get looked at like "funny, you couldn't have been in vietnam.") i think people get scared by what they just don't understand.
>
> terra

hi terra, trouble here.
question: what country do you live in? US? If so, is it legal them askin you if you're mentally ill, i would sure like some data on this, i need a goddamn job.
btw, out of near 1,000 DSM designations, PTSD is the only mental disorder that is deemed externally
produced, the other 999 suggest a screw loose in the screw-up. what this means: we have work to do, thanks.

trouble


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