Posted by gardenergirl on May 10, 2004, at 8:20:17
In reply to Re: The stigma and loneliness of mental illness.... » KindGirl, posted by partlycloudy on May 10, 2004, at 7:43:17
KindGirl,
I'm sorry you are feeling so alone, and I'm glad you come to Babble. Computer viruses are a royal pain, aren't they? I have to admit, I am surrounded by psychologists or trainees at work, so I don't feel alone right now. But before this year I did. It's really difficult when people around you have never experienced a mental illness, either themselves or someone close to them. I hear from my clients all the time that their therapy experience is the first time someone "gets it."I am also lucky that a friend of mine sees the same T that I do. We are able to talk about our sessions, usually not in great detail, but enough that it doesn't feel so isolating...like you are the only person in the world who goes to therapy. Mostly we joke about the things he says to both of us and some of his habits.
About the stigma of mental illness (partlycloudy, I think you are right about it being like alcoholism)...Since I work in the field as part of my training, I try hard to advocate to reduce (eliminate in an ideal world) the stigma of mental illness. I do this in a number of ways, including bugging my state and US Reps and Senators about mental health parity coverage legislation. But I think the most significant thing I can do is to be open about my diagnosis (atypical depression) and my treatment (therapy and an MAOI). I have mostly had positive responses, but then I am surrounded by people in the biz. So I know it is much safer for me than for many others to be so open.
Are there any support groups near you that you might drop in on from time to time? Not a therapy group, but just support, kind of like Babble, but IRL?
Otherwise, please keep posting. You really are not alone. We understand, and we care. You don't have to take care of yourself here.
(((((KindGirl)))))
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:345273
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040503/msgs/345300.html