Posted by deirdrehbrt on December 26, 2003, at 21:07:01
In reply to Re: I feel like I just cant anymore, posted by fayth on December 26, 2003, at 17:43:08
Fayth,
I'm so sorry that you have to go through all of this trouble. Holidays are especially difficult for me as well. Like you, I have a family who doesn't understand mental illness. Perhaps your mother doesn't know what you are really going through. It might be helpfull to find someone who can speak to both of you and help her understand.I am surprised that your doctor won't allow you to call between visits. Is this a psychiatrist? Do you have someone else to confide in? I am also surprised that you are seeing someone so infrequently. Usually when someone is having difficulties, they can speak to someone a little more often.
I don't know if this will help, but I once explained depression to my Father. I asked him to remember when his mother had died, and how at the reception after the funeral he was laughing and joking with his brothers and friends. I showed him that when people are sad or hurt, they can still find the capacity to laugh, joke, and enjoy. I told him that when people are depressed, they can't 'cheer-up', they can't enjoy other people that much, and they can't just snap out of it. That's why it is a disease. Your mother needs to understand that you can't stop crying because that is the nature of the disease. It's not a matter of will-power because you can't will any disease away. Moods can change. Illness persists until it is cured or controlled.
I hope this helps.
Dee.
poster:deirdrehbrt
thread:293503
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031217/msgs/293635.html