Mental Illness Stigma

[eve1974]

There is still a stigma associated with any mental illness, be that depression / anxiety to things like schizophrenia and bipolar (and every other mental illness in betweens).

It can't only be because of lack of knowledge as educating others about mental illness seems to have come along a lot in recent years.

Why do people simply not talk about these sort of illness?

[andy-hughes]

douglas - // On the plus side though it's one of our few growth industries. //

Never let the discussion of a serious subject which has and does cause distress to a number of AB'ers get in the way of your 'sense of humour'.

[pixie374]

Me too, emmie... Great posts from Rowan. I think one problem is that people don't really know what to say- as it can be so different for different people. Tell someone you broke your leg, and they can at least imagine it and give some kind of appropriate response.
But if someone says "how are you?".... they aren't really prepared for you to say "well.... ". So most people will just say they are fine. It's easier than trying to explain.
One of the most frustrating things can be when people want a rational reason.... and ask why or what's happened. And often, the answer is I don't know and nothing.

[pixie374]

I thought you might say that, Andy:-). I liked it tbh. Made me smile, and my anxiety had been pretty bad today.

[douglas9401]

It wasn't a quip.

Do have a word with yourself.

[andy-hughes]

douglas - // It wasn't a quip. //

What do you think it is then, may I ask?

[andy-hughes]

pixie - // I thought you might say that, Andy:-). I liked it tbh. Made me smile, and my anxiety had been pretty bad today. //

I enjoy gallows humour as much as the next person, but it needs to be targeted at an appropriate audience, not scattergunned on a site where a sensitive subject is being discussed.

Hope you feel OK xx

[pixie374]

I'm fine, thanks x

[douglas9401]

It's my view of things, condensed.

[andy-hughes]

douglas - // It's my view of things, condensed. //

If you think that a condition that causes mystery and death to millions of people counts as a 'growth industry', then I have to say I find your view to be baffling - even 'condensed'.

[douglas9401]

Aye, I got that earlier.

[rowanwitch]

I'd like to offer a comment from a sufferer
It's not a black dog following you around it's far more personal It's shagging your leg and biting you in the *** at the same time while everyone is telling you in "its nothing he's just being friendly."

[jakep]

I have talked about my anxiety and depression for many years.
I am not ashamed of it. The people who are in my life now are very supportive.....and I reciprocate when it’s needed.
I remember a train journey with two friends last year. I had an unpleasant full on anxiety attack. They each held a hand but carried on a conversation between themselves while I rode it out. They gave me water, asked if I was ok now and that was it.
I do find that the anxiety is increasing alarmingly since Covid but my GP has raised my prescription to try and help.
Talking really helps.