Date: 5/23/2003 11:19:00 PM
From Authorid: 53558
Some people are born that way, Lady Spirit Guide, they can't help it. Great big hugs. Take care.  |
Date: 5/23/2003 11:20:00 PM
From Authorid: 53900
I dont know enough about mental illness to draw any conclusions in one way or another. I have been with someone who I believe suffered from severe depression and it was really hard to deal with. He threatened to kill himself many times and when we split up he would call me constantly telling me he wanted me to hear him die. It tore me up inside. I got to the point where I would not answer the phone when he called.  |
Date: 5/23/2003 11:57:00 PM
From Authorid: 55255
1)yes 2)yes 3)the blue footed booby  |
Date: 5/24/2003 12:49:00 AM
From Authorid: 31255
I think there are a lot of people here that suffer from mental illness and to be honest, yes I do think differently of people with mental disorders. I'd be lying if I said I didn't. I have been in college 4 years studying psychology, I have 4 people in my family with bi-polar depression (manic depression) one with schizophrenia, one with an anxiety disorder and a few with depression... My life has more or less been surrounded with people praying that my brother and I don't inhereit any of these... I also do believe that people with mental illness should be given special treatment because some are totally incapable of holding jobs or having or living without some kind of assistance. But, I don't think any one with a mental illness should be looked down upon and I think it is something everyone needs to be more educated about because there are so many types of mental illnesses and so many people who have them and way too often people are slapped with a "crazy label"  |
Date: 5/24/2003 2:09:00 AM
From Authorid: 53961
My grandmother had several nervous breakdowns over her years and eventually ended up in a state hospital. My mother often talked about how she would have to take care of her siblings as her mom wasn't able. I think in that era (depression years) it was more prevalent than we realize. And most of the men did not seem to have the compassion needed to help their spouses. At least my grandfather did not. My friend that I mentioned before who suffers from severe depression is VERY intelligent. I wish I knew the scriptures like she does. She also suffers from severe migraines. She has recently gone back on Prozac and is making some life style changes. Depression can strike anyone at any age. My opinion of mental illness has changed over the years and I am learning that herbs can't fix everything.  |
Date: 5/24/2003 2:21:00 AM
From Authorid: 47296
I suffer from a mental illness as diagnosed in DSM-IV. Is it an illness that keeps me from doing my job or that would keep me from associating with others? No. I suffer from what is known as Gender Identity Disorder. It is often compunded by depression, although the counselor I use says that I have dealt with any possible depression very well. I have also had my bouts with post traumatic stress disorder. Once again, I was able to deal with my PTSD without the aid of help, although it did take me a long time to come to grips with it, and cost me many a drunken night before I was able to deal with it. Back to my GID, as many know, I am transgendered. To be more exact, I am a male to female transsexual. Basically, my mind and my body are not in sync with each other. While I have all the physical attributes of a male, my mental process tells me that my body is of the wrong gender. Much of my thinking is done from a female perspective, rather than a male perspective. How long have I had these feelings that my body was worng? All my life. The problem was though, that until the pass few years, such ideas were seen as a sexual perversion to many, and having grown up in a conservative southern family, I was hardpressed to learn the truth about my condition. For almost 40 years, I did everything I could to convince myself that I was truly male. I tried my hand at sports, rode motorcycles, raced, and joined teh military. In the military, I was never satisfied with the regular jobs, but had to seek out the more demanding jobs, and often volunteered for duties that were beyond the average person. All in all, I suceeded well in proving to myself and others that I was someone I was not. The end result was a deeper feeling that this is not who I am, and even more mental confusion. I was never happy, and bordered on depression. The unhappiness was compounded even more by the fear that others would found out who I truly was. About 3 years ago, with the help of some very dear freinds, I finally faced my GID. When I did, I quickly found a peace of mind that I had not known before. I began counseling, and also did a seriees os tests that confirmed that my mental process was indeed far more female than male. For two years now, I have been on Hormone Replacement Therapy, which has helped me greatly in easing my mental anguish. It has also had an effect on my body, softening what for years has been strong male features. What it cannot do is hide the physical scars that cover parts of my body. Scars that are a result of my constant push to prove to myself I was someone I was not. The process for healing in GID is a long one, and the guidelines I must follow are stringent, and leave little leeway if I am to do them right. The end result is a deep inner peace, and the chance to be the person that my mind has for years told me I truly am. Had I been born a hundred years ago in my native role, I would have never faced the problems modern society has with who I am. The native people of this land call people such as me Berdache or Two-Spirit. They are respected part of native culture, and were allowed to live their lives in the role that they felt was right for them. Todays society though places a stigma on people like myself, although we do recieve a full diagnosis under the guidance of DSM-IV. When people today say they have a problem with who or what I am, I tell them that I am doing something about my problem, maybe they should do something about their's. Today, I am free of my inner bonds that held me in confusion, and am slowly overcoming the bonds of fear that often hindered me. I am proud of who and what I am, and will one day know the true peace that only comes with living my life in the role that my body tells me is right for me.  |
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Date: 5/24/2003 2:26:00 AM
From Authorid: 47296
All the previous being said, after dealing with my own problems, and also having an ex-wife who dealt with depression, I think no less of others with mental illness. I believe they should be given whatever treatment will help them to function fully in our society. To question three, I have found that there are those who result to drugs or alcohol to help them solve their problems. The fact is, they had problems beforehand, and feel they can hide their problems behind the drugs or alcohol. I did that for years with alcohol. Many doctors are finding today that when the alcohol or drugs are taken away, the true problem is revealed. |
Date: 5/24/2003 7:29:00 AM
From Authorid: 47218
think differently of people with mental illness? Oh, heck no. You spend a little time in a mental hospital, and you realize, "These people aren't so different from me. A lot of them just suffered some bad circumstances. This could be me." We're all suceptible. There's no totally normal person. And that's the thing-- we have the stigma about mental illness because we wamt to think that there is something profoundly different about people with mental illness, but there isn't. Some people are more prone to it than others but, given the right set of circumstances, any one of us could be pushed over the edge. That's downright frightening. As for alcoholics and drug addicts-- I think they have a type of mental illness. This does not excuse them for being responsible for their actions, any more than a schizophrenic who chooses not to take their meds.  |
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Date: 5/24/2003 7:44:00 AM
From Authorid: 47218
speaking of stigma-- I do love the episode of the Simpsons where Homer and the fam go to visit Flanders in the mental hospital, and the doctor gives them all a "normal" sticker before they enter. |
Date: 5/24/2003 12:08:00 PM
From Authorid: 49150
I too take medication for depression, caused from several traumatic losses. The only thing that irks me, is when someone has a problem yet chooses to do anything about it.  |
Date: 5/24/2003 12:29:00 PM
From Authorid: 57404
1.. No, I don't.. 2...I think they should be given what is needed so they can have as much of a normal life as possible...3...Nope. I used to deal with severe panic attacks and it got so bad I wouldn't leave the house, and also became somewhat a compulsive about things. I tried a couple of different medications that didn't work, and one of them caused the oposit. It made the problems worse. During all the time I was dealing with this, I did a lot of reading on the disorder and depression. My mom was Bi-polar. So maybe I got it because it is passed through the genes. I used to be very depressed and suicidal at times, and felt my life was out of control because I couldn't control the panic attacks etc. One day I got mad, and said no more, took control and changed a lot of things about myself. I had to change the way I looked at things, I had to change how I delt with life and just everything, and had to change how I thought. It took a lot, but I am a lot better now. I haven't had suicidal thoughts in years, nor do I have panic attacks or depression. I do however have mood swings. lol but my doctor assured me it is hormonal due to the female problems I have. LOL I think things are different for a lot of people. I don't feel they should recieve any less treatment or be treated differently. It takes a strong person to admit that they might have depression and it takes a even stronger person to get help for it and stay strong and not take their own life when they feel they have hit bottom. And it takes a strong person to talk about it. That's my two cents. lol
God Bless  |
Date: 5/24/2003 1:09:00 PM
From Authorid: 57054
i am bi-polar manic depressive and i know everything that goes on in a mentally-ill person's mind. i do not treat a mentally ill person any different than i would a person not suffering from one... only sometimes shoudl a person with a mental illness be given special treatment, and on #3 i would give somebody like that less sympathy. it's really almost that person's fault for doing drugs/drinking... so it's like they brought it onto themselves, but totally.  |
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Date: 5/24/2003 1:15:00 PM
From Authorid: 57054
i also suffer from panic and anxiety attacks... just about every mental illness in the book runs in my family.. |
Date: 5/24/2003 2:58:00 PM
From Authorid: 30051
I have issues.  |
Date: 5/24/2003 3:23:00 PM
From Authorid: 28946
The ones with mental illnesses I would be afraid of and treat differently are the psychopathic homicidal maniacs. You have to treat some people differently whether they have a mental illness or not. Everyone is different and react differently to the same situation. We might say we treat everyone the same but we do not. Alcoholics/drug addicts have now been found to be suffering from a mental illness. It's hard to not be an enabler to them and so we might have compassion but yet not condone theur behaviors-same with other mentally ill people that refuse to take medicines or treatment. How can we be around those that don't care enough to get help?  |
Date: 5/24/2003 5:18:00 PM
From Authorid: 17204
I don't treat people with mental illness like they are any less of a person though, because they arn't. The only "difference" you might see from me is that Im more concerned, etc. People who bring about their problems through substance abuse should technically recieve the same compassion, however in our society I don't think that happens. I'll be honest, I kind of have a problem with drug addicts, etc. My uncle is one and I do feel sorry for him, but I DESPISE being around him because of his life style. I don't like being near his house, or around his herion friends. It just grosses me out because they are low life losers who will do anything for a fix. Despite this, I do feel sorry for him. So, I guess I still have some compassion for that scenario.  |
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Date: 5/24/2003 5:39:00 PM
From Authorid: 53713
I also suffer from panick attacks. I can control them more now, before I was a wreck. ~crescentmoon~ |
Date: 5/24/2003 5:41:00 PM
From Authorid: 38433
No, I don't think differently of people who have a mental illness. For 2 if you mean treatment as in how they are treated in every day life, the answer's no. I'm not sympathetic to people who have mental disorders, because sure the ones who survive it deserve a medal, but most of them don't want sympathy I don't think. Anyway, I applaud you for trying to help others. :)  |
Date: 5/24/2003 11:21:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15070
I really, really want to thank you all for your kind, and very honest replies. Re-reading this today, it sounded slightly defensive. I didn't mean it to. I am glad, people are growing up mentally & letting go of a few myths about the disease (s). Warrior Spirit, we have communicated before. You story is so touching, and the human being in me, just reacts every time I read your story. I truly admire your courage. Actually, I admire the courage of everyone who responded here. Panic & Anxiety Attacks are hell on Earth. I have had a few in the past five years, (once when I was surrounded by traffic, driving on a bridge). I don't have them anymore, thank Goddess. I think Warrior Spirit hit upon a point. If we learn to become more comfortable in our own skins, we can start the healing process. I also agree, that substance abusers, show the same behavioral patterns evern after YEARS of sobriety. So, the drink & drugs, (or food....whatever) are not the cause of the disease, but the SYMPTOM of it? You know, that makes sense! Good replies, guys.....  |
Date: 5/25/2003 9:18:00 PM
From Authorid: 16069
I seriously think that we are all mentally ill. We can find something wrong with anybody and lable them as being mentally ill. Now to answer your questions.... 1. Seriously ill, yes, I feel sorry for them. I treat them as I would anybody else, but do feel a flicker of pity for them. 2. no 3. Good question. I suppose that if you have an addiction or a mental problem you should at least make an effort to get help.  |
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Date: 5/25/2003 9:45:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15070
thank you Love One Another. I agree, after all, the Doctors who write these books consider themselves "sane". So, it would be difficult to find absolutes, right? |
Date: 5/27/2003 11:15:00 AM
From Authorid: 61999
Mental Illness is hereditary in my family. So it's quite normal (for us) to hear of someone being sent to a "nut house" every once in a while. I have yet to go myself but I believe I am on my way. That being said, yes, I would like special treatment. Yes I DO think differently of people who suffer from Mental Illness. And I probably wouldn't give less sympathy to those who drink and do drugs because addictions are hereditary, too...~~The Mighty DreamGyrl who admits her mental illness and embraces it...~~  |
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Date: 5/28/2003 12:33:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15070
there is a lot of courage in admitting a menatl issue.....I wish people really understood. Maybe more people are in denial because there ARE "funny" people in their families. I mean, what's NORMAL? ......I consider those guys who go to winter football games, bare-chested, printed in team colors a little nutzo....... |
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Date: 5/28/2003 7:05:00 AM
From Authorid: 61999
LSG, a lot of people in my family suffer from paranoid schitzophrenia (sp?). We also have sleeping disorders and some are afflicted with agorophobia (the last two are me, more or less.) These things advance with age. When I'm alone in my apartment, it pains me to go outside for ANYTHING. I'd rather get delivery; I'd rather be without a job than DARE to venture out of my house alone. It's quite a chore. I have to hype myself up about it, and, while I'm putting on my make up, I have to say things like "We're going outside today... nothing outside is going to hurt you... just breathe... are there REALLY that many germs on the subway train??" It seems crazy to alot of people but it's the ONLY way I can function. Anyway, I'm airing out my dirty laundry so I'll stop now, lol. ~~The Mighty DreamGyrl~~ |
Date: 5/28/2003 5:43:00 PM
From Authorid: 177
I've had psychological issues since I was in my teens (I'm 52 now). I suffer from social phobias, depression, and anxiety disorder. These problems have made it difficult for me to hold down jobs, & have friendships and relationships/marriages. It has also exacerbated my tendency to have substance & alcohol issues, which have caused some massively poor judgement and behaviour. I've been on many madications for anxiety, depression, bi-polarism. Some of these meds have done a really good job...although the down side is that many of them are habit forming. I have recently finally rid myself of a decades long benzo addiction, but now I'm dependent on my presently prescribed anti-depressent Paxil. Oh well...I suppose.  |
Date: 6/22/2003 11:11:00 PM
From Authorid: 18516
Both of my parents suffer from mental illness and no I do not think of them differently...and no people who suffer from mental illness should not be treated different..if they had a physical illness people would except them no matter what. My fathers cousin suffers from schizophrenia and she has to be taken care of because she is in and out of reality. But to treat someone differenly for something that they cannot help? That's not only ignorant it's unjust! I have seen the way people have treated my parents and I've even had family members say things to me. I do not believe in a NORMAL..because noone is normal..there is not a human being on this earth that is normal or perfect..and there's my two cents!  |
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Date: 6/22/2003 11:18:00 PM
From Authorid: 18516
and people who label people who suffer from mental illness as 'crazy' & 'nuts' are prejudice discriminitive morons! I'd rather be crazy anyday! so there! (sorry this subject is really sensitive to me) |
Date: 7/17/2008 7:50:00 PM
From Authorid: 56297
I suffer from a mental illness myself (severe OCD and panic disorder) so no I do not think differently about people with mental illness. I think people with mental illness should be given the type of specail treatment they need in order to function normally day to day. And I also think everyone makes mistakes, so someone who did drugs and now has delusions and hallucinations should be given just as much sympathy as someone who was born with it. Great post btw :o)  |
Date: 7/17/2008 8:52:00 PM
From Authorid: 63241
1. No, we all have to deal with problems or issues in our lives. 2. As far as healthcare is concerned, a person with mental illness should receive the care appropriate to their illness...I don't consider that special treatment....only appropriate treatment. 3. People who frequently use drink and drugs have a mental illness in that they are trying to anesthetize themselves and hide from the problems in their lives instead of facing the skeleton in the closet or the issues that haunt them, so yes, they have my sympathy as well as the one who suffers mental health issues without using anesthetics to cope. These are MY opinions, of course. Good Post!  |
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Date: 7/18/2008 12:10:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15070
*smiles* I don't even remember writing this. :) |
