Posted by waterlily on May 24, 2002, at 16:59:31
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
> I have ADHD, narcolepsy, & depression. If someone is to ask me if I'm mentally ill, I look at them in horror & say "what constitutes mental illness? Who decides what is & isn't?" I don't consider myself mentally ill in the least & will say so.
>
I think you're right. My mind brings up images of people who cannot control themselves and and cannot function in society when I hear 'mentally ill'. However, if we claim that our problems are at least due in part to biochemistry, we have to call ourselves 'ill' or else 'in remission' from the disease (again, if you subscribe to the belief that it is biochemical). I sometimes have to answer something at a doctor's or dentist's office that says 'have you been under psychiatric care?' to which I answer 'yes' because it is important to provide accurate medical information to get the best possible treatment. When I donate blood there is a question that says 'Are you in treatment for a disease that has not been mentioned?' to which I answer 'no' because I know they're concerned only with conditions that would cause an adverse effect on the donor or recipient. Psychiatric illnesses do not pose a threat, nor do the medications I take.
poster:waterlily
thread:96
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020516/msgs/120.html