Jun 3, 2015

I think mental illness is still not taken seriously by a lot of people. Theres a stigma.

 

Jun 3, 2015

There is plenty of negative social stigma towards mental illness. It's even greater in certain communities.

It's not well understood which makes it hard for many people to have a good support system or get treated. And sometimes they may face prejudice.

People don't really get much mental health awareness education though. It's unfortunate.

I had depression for a while and am better now but it was really hard for some people in my life to understand so it really strained our relationships. My parents didn't understand either. To many people, things like depression don't really exist or you're just trying to get attention, being lazy, Etc.

 

Jun 3, 2015

As someone who deals with mental illness (PDD), I wish there wasn't a stigma around it as I have a hard time being open about it.

 

Jun 3, 2015

Peoples dissonance when it comes to dealing with depressed family members, friends, whatever, is usually (at least on some level) from the inability to help on their part.

Or lack of initiative they can take that doesn't surmount to basically sitting on their hands while you find your way (decide if you therapy, meds, time..). Because in the end, even if they try to help by making you see someone, take medications, or even force you to talk to them, it could just exacerbate the situation -- you have to come to your own decisions. And the best way for anyone to help you get to the right ones is by being understanding, and that's all. Not too distant, not too overbearing, just understanding. Which is hard when you're your own person with your own issues having to be around someone else's deeply personal plight

 

Jun 3, 2015

if you look at the board, most people who are vocally pro-gay rights on here are doing it reactively. i'd be just as staunch a supporter of mental health causes if kids were running around opposing it the way they trash gay people.

 

Jun 3, 2015

 

Jun 3, 2015

Great now were not going to be allowed to call each other r-----s now

 

Jun 3, 2015

Yes, it's incredibly hard for friends and family of those with mental illness. I feel it myself when I have to be there for others.

But a lot of people don't have that understanding, sadly. As you say, because it's hard. And so some end up causing more harm. But I feel like they wouldn't if they just opened up their minds more. And I think if a lot of people understood mental illness better, having better understanding wouldn't be as hard on an individual level.

I didn't need anyone to baby me, since my help would mostly come from meds and counseling. But I would've appreciated some support. And also not getting in the way of me getting help and no hurtful words. I understand people's difficulties with it but I'd rather not excuse treating those with mental illness poorly and just raise awareness.

 

Jun 3, 2015

Which they did when Robin Williams died smh

 

Jun 3, 2015

I fear going senile just as much as dying.