Posted by IsoM on November 13, 2002, at 18:24:41
In reply to dirty little secret..., posted by jyl on November 11, 2002, at 11:31:08
I know many are ashamed to admit that they or someone they know or love has mental problems like depression or panic attacks, but what's with people? I feel like I'm moving in a special circle of friends & acquaintances.
I've never hid my problems though when I've been really bad in the depths of despair, I don't want to talk about it. Still, I've been very open, even at work. And I've not been stigmatized for it. Just the opposite, I've had many come up to me saying they're glad that I've been so open about it as they feel they can share with me that they've had it too, or that they're also taking meds.
I've got a very strong, rather dominant personality but not hard at all. I try to be empathetic & caring but perhaps it's the force of my personality that discourages anyone from being negative with me. I'm gentle where it counts but can be adamant when needed.
What is needed perhaps is a friend who's also suffered but is very sure of her/himself & can be a voice for others who are less bold. It's no dirty, little secret. The fact that such concerns are hushed up is the dirt part. The secrecy around mental ills is what's horrible, not the mental ills themselves.
poster:IsoM
thread:32101
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20021106/msgs/32227.html