Posted by fi on June 3, 2002, at 16:30:02
In reply to Well Meaning Friends, posted by Roo on June 3, 2002, at 16:17:41
Sympathies!! It is an extra burden when friends have absolutely no idea what you are experiencing and what *would* be helpful.
It doesnt help if some of them think they know what you are experiencing, relating it to when they are a bit fed up or down, rather than thrashing about in dark chaos they cant imagine. So they tell you the kind of things that cheer them up when they are mildly down- or tell you to pull yourself together.
One way of dealing with it is to try and educate them a bit about what you are experiencing, if only to the extent of them realising that its totally different to what they know, and not something so easy to shift. This may be easiest to do by pointing them at reputable websites with info, rather than trying to teach them yourself.
They may still very much care about you, but dont know how to help. So it may be good idea to tell them that what they say isnt helping, and suggest what you would find supportive, as they probably have no idea of what would be? Gives them the chance to improve, and if they dont, avoid them till you are better. You are the no 1 prioirity at the moment.
When its your partner or family that need educating,you can suggest they talk to your pdoc or other health prof.
Anyway, good luck.
Fi
poster:fi
thread:25002
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020531/msgs/25003.html