Does it embarrass you to suffer from a mental illness?

Jump to Last Post 1-50 of 298 discussions (929 posts)

80
figmentposted 14 years ago
I'm 32, and I have suffered with mental illness all my life. Sometimes with certain people I don't mind talking about my certain disorders, but other times, I feel ashamed and embarrassed. I guess it depends on the people you are talking to and the mental illness you are disclosing to them.
reply report
1. 73
  earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I think it does depend a lot on who the listener is. Some people are able to contribute correctly to any discussion of mental illness, others may need more education about it.
  reply report
2. 60
  Valerie Fposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I think it depends on one's own attitude toward his or her condition as well as reactions he or she receives or believes he or she might receive from others.
  
  I had only a mild case of baby blues for several weeks after my son was born, and people have stooped low enough to use that as an excuse to write off any opinion of mine that was contrary to theirs as a byproduct of my "mental illness." So I can understand why some people who wish to be treated respectfully would be reticent about disclosing any mental health history.
  reply report
3. 0
  Deborah Sextonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Since a mental illness is a disease, there is no reason to be embarassed. It's like saying someone is embarassed because they have Multiple Sclerosis.
  reply report
4. 53
  jimmyianposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I agree wth them.It solely depends on the person with whome you are sharing.
  reply report
5. 60
  www.mamasiran.composted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I won't be embarassed!
  reply report
6. 60
  nuveauposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Greetings. Well, I am 55 and have been diagnosed with MDD, Major Depressive Disorder. I have been taking Cipralex to regulate serotonin levels but in all honesty, haven't seen much change.
  
  My very caring and understanding doctor can only deal mostly with the physical...how can he heal deep feelings of despair, regret, and shame that I feel? He can't because that's not what he's trained to do. Enter plan "B"...meeting with 'the shrink'.
  
  I've learned a tad or two about this condition - it's an effort to simply brush your teeth or shower. I've gone days without showering simply because it's too much effort and ... doesn't matter, anyway. At 10:00 in the morning, I am ready to go back to bed.
  
  Sigh...my body and mind are sooooooo tired but,,,I remain positive...kinda. Not really, that's a joke. See what I mean? The fluctuation from hope to despair is exhausting.
  
  So..my POV. Gotta take a pill now, but...ehhhhhhh...maybe, maybe not.
  reply report
  0
  B.C. BOUTIQUEposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  hi there..welcome, glad to have you hear and kow that you , too , are not ashamed or afraid of what people may think just because of an issue you can not help..
  
  reply report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Well said. Exactly my experience... It doesn't seem there's a panacea for my MDD, either. I've been on many, some help a bit more than others. For a long time Paxil worked well for me. Went off of it and onto something else (Cymbalta) that was a nightmare. Didn't work, made me feel TIRED all the time, which is the main MDD symptom I have. Went off of it with a whole lot of hideous withdrawal brain ZAP symptoms. Went back on Paxil, which I'm still one. Not nearly as effective as it used to be, but staves off the LONG episodes I get.
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I was the most skeptical person on the PLANET when I was forced to go see a shrink. I hated the idea and had no hope that it would help.
  
  But... it has helped me, more than any medication ever has.
  reply report
  60
  Daniel Carterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  There are so many factors that come into play with long-term depression. It's sometimes considered more difficult to treat than bipolar, but it's such a completely individual thing. There are more and more studies and evidence that such disorders are in part a result of the brain not receiving all the nutrients it needs. It may be that digestion is not optimal, or that neurotransmitters are not working correctly. So many factors and possibilities. However, in some cases, where there has been brain trauma or some other damage to the digestion and brain, it becomes far more complicated. Often, however, extreme persistence in cleaning up digestion and assimilation can help reduce *some* of the effects, and therefore, making medications more effective for treatment.
  
  It's all complicated, and it's a frustrating process, but I can tell you from personal experience, it's worth it to keep working with it, tweaking things, and going forward. It's amazing what you learn about your own body and it's incredible resilience.
  
  Sending kindest and best to you as you continue on your journey to healing....
  reply report
  60
  Jaggedfrostposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  hmm Do you have bipolar? Granted MDD is no cake walk and when a bipolar swing heads that direction it is not fun and remembering that tomorrow will be a better day than to day isn't easy but bipolar has a long term cost that I consider as bad if not worse than just going down. The over all comparison isn't precisely fair but the mind actually wants to quit after long time abuse due to severe bipolar symptoms which results in delusions and possible hallucinations. Once these start, people effected with bipolar almost instinctual start to crave them as minor respites from the constant pull between two very violent inputs of emotional distress. If not treated and or the person isn't very aware and disciplined in their approach the mind will start to cling to these escapes and then the reasoning centers in the brain start to decay and TADA schizophrenia.
  
  *chuckle* ok I admit my response was a bit Freudian. In that I consider this side effect of bipolar disorder scarier than the alternative because it is a ghost that haunts me constantly and I have to be constantly on guard against believing anything that comes to my head that cant be identified as real.
  reply report
  59
  katiem2posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Great information thanks for sharing I now have a greater understanding of BP. Peace
  reply report
  59
  lxxyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Sounds like a severe case of bipolar.
  
  I've been labeled with bipolar, major depression, ADD/HD, etc. It's all greek--and BS to me. But I suppose it depends on your attitude and willingness to lead a good life and get back on the horse when circumstance throws you off.
  reply report
  80
  Fluffymetalposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You're labeled with the same shit as me with the exception of Borderline Personality Disorder - it REALLY sucks!
  reply report
  59
  lxxyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I don't know, if people here about it and freak out I get to use the crazy eye.
  
  But in all truth, I'm not much for labels. Sure, it can be hard to find stuff in piles and places, but my attentive memory really pulls through.
  reply report
  60
  Denise K Zimmermaposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  It is not right for others labeling you, finding people that really know you and stick with them. Do some research on the subject you can find out more from a good friend by the name of David Oliver he writes news letters on the subject.
  reply report
7. 63
  mintinfoposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  As far as societal norms are concerned I don't think I suffer from any form of mental illness so maybe I am not qualified to answer your question but I would still like to add a comment. As lone as you are not obnoxious in your behavior I don't see why you cannot discuss your problems with others who are willing to offer sound advise.
  
  Being aware that you suffer from a mental illness means that you are able to rationalize your behavior. You know what is right and what is wrong and what is appropriate. Keep on discussing your issues. You will eventually find someone able and willing to assist you. Good luck
  reply report
  72
  lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  "...able to rationalize your behavior?" Are you serious? Wow-try a little insight, man, I'll bet you've a couple of screws loose somewhere.
  Good luck to you too.
  reply report
  0
  B.C. BOUTIQUEposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  you tell him , lorile
  
  let him have it..there is no rationalization about it..its called functioning...
  
  and I am proud that you can, I have met many people who can not function and would never admit and honestly not be afraid to tell what you have told us tonight
  reply report
  63
  mintinfoposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I am sure Figment knew what I meant. If she didn't than I apologize. "insight?" come on! What I meant was that there are people who suffer from mental illnesses and do not recognize that they do. They go through life in a self destructive state while there might be help available. Figment recognizes that she needs help and if sharing and talking about it wasn't therapeutic then she wouldn't be here.
  
  I have seen Figment around the forum and I am aware that she suffers. She is also on my Followers list. My intent was not to disrespect her.
  reply report
  80
  figmentposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I don't get offended easily. no disrespect here. : )
  reply report
  72
  lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Mintinfo-I believe I owe you an apology. I do understand what you are saying now, and misinterpreted what you meant earlier. You're right-there are many folks out there unaware of their behavior, casting about unknowingly on a self-destructive course.
  In the end, I'm sorry for the misunderstanding, and know you meant no disrespect.
  reply report
  63
  mintinfoposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Accepted and understood also. It is good to see the support system that you all have developed though even if I was a victim of it.
  reply report
  68
  Faybe Bayposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  All of you are right, my daughter's roomy/ ex-botfriend is always laying into her about her mental state, never admitting he also has problems. It is unfair to hold something over one's head that you have yourself and cannot see.
  reply report
  60
  Jaggedfrostposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Your response put a big smile on my face mostly because people who haven't been tied to people who suffer from mental illness or suffer themselves from conditions that warp reality so that explaining anything gets lost in translation have a tendency of being intellectually dishonest enough not to consider what would happen to their well balanced mind should some aspect of it get taken for a hayride that it can't return from. The sad part is that it is people like you that people like me hate talking to, not because we don't understand how things look to you or even that we blame you for seeing things that way but because you are a voice in our head that becomes all the louder for listening to you that says, "We should be able to deal with our conditions on our own because they are all in our head anyway right?"
  reply report
8. 0
  Heather Voightposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I wouldn't say I'm embarassed but I do get frustrated when I mention the d word (depression) and people suddenly decide not to speak to me. I believe in being open about my past struggles so it's upsetting when I'm treated like someone who has a contagious disease. People need to realize it's just like suffering from any other illness. I'm not going to pretend I never had a problem though. If people can't accept me for who I am, then who needs them?
  reply report
  80
  figmentposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  you're accepted in this community, at least this forum
  reply report
9. 0
  Lecieposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  i have social phobias...that means people terrify me. really all i do is sit at home writing. when i go anywhere i have my mom drive me and stay the whole time. i even took her with me on my first date since i was 15. i'm not embarresed. i only talk to people who have already been made aware of my illness. talking on the computer is the greatest thing in the world. i can say what i mean and not be given the looks or here the put downs that terrify me the most. what does it matter if someone quits talking to you because of your illness? it just means they're not the nice and caring person you want for a friend in the first place. it's the ones who know about your illness and still talk to you. i don't think they're embarresed to have you for a friend. why should you be embarresed to be the friend they like? just be happy anyway you can.
  have fun and be creative
  lecie
  reply report
  80
  Fluffymetalposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Nice to meet you Lecie
  reply report
  77
  schoolgirlforrealposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Hi
  I sent you some fan mail, i should have wrote it here:
  Do you ever get depressed from haivng social phobia? I have social anxiety and if I don't get out I feel awful
  reply report
10. 60
  free4indiaposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  As per a psychiatrist, everybody is some way or other mentally ill. Some are overly concerned about health, some about cars, some about cooking and so on.
  reply report
11. 63
  GarnetBirdposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I have had mental symptoms for over 20 years now, resulting from 7 years of incestuous abuse at the hands of my stepfather. Your post was brave and candid; this is REAL, it is not caused by weakness or sloppy thinking. Think of it as managing symptoms; be good to yourself!
  Please visit my ebay store, BOOKHIVE and google Lake of Shame: An Incest Story. I am selling my book online in hopes of reaching others who have been through this.
  Visit my HUBS, The Great Basin Gopher Snake and The Southern Pacific Rattler--I encounter amazing wildlife while hiking. Thanks for reading this..
  GarnetBird
  reply report
12. 59
  ehrendreichposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The social stigma for those with mental health issues can impact even practitioners. I have known many counselors and other care providers who do not really believe in recovery. I have some hubs that deal with what a mental illness means to a person and what self-compassion can do for a person who is struggling. I invite you to check them out.
  
  I learned what I have from years suffering with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. I work with others now as a peer counselor, life coach, writer and teacher. I feel that I have something to learn from everyone.
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Welcome to HubPages!
  You have a great approach. I like it when folks can accept the weight of the issue, and find ways to be positive.
  
  @ wordscribe: I took it last night. It was a frickin' disaster. Slept until 3 PM for crying out loud. So, I worked until 10pm. Wonderful day, right?
  
  But I feel real good after the sleep. No complaints there.
  I just need to find a quality / quantity balance
  
  How are you hanging in there with your son's situation?
  reply report
13. 58
  kim1971posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  hey everyone my name is kim and ive had major depressive disorder a
  majority of my life. its hard talking to people that just dont get it. yes im
  embarrest @ times, but it is still something i cannot help @ times. somedays i just dont want to face the world or anyone else. its an effort to
  perform any task of the day. im on lexepro xanax and seroquel. its just not
  helping me anymore. im a nurse and it has disabled me a lot in my profession. im going to see the shrink to get my meds changed. is anyone out there on adderall for add and mdd. i also have add. i hate it.
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  welcome to HP Kim
  
  Never worry about holding back here, just lay it out. It's easier (at least for me) to talk here about some things.
  
  I was taking seroquel for awhile - I got pretty sick from it. I give it a big thumbs down
  Once I stopped it, I had more energy and motivation.
  reply report
  58
  kim1971posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  wow that was a fast response. im glad to here from u. good to see there
  are caring people. thanks for noticing. im in a severe bout of depression
  right now. the seroquel i think is making it worse on top of the fact that im
  not on anything for the add. my brother is add and hes on adderral. he let
  me try one the other day and i was a different person. i could think! im going to ask my doc for this stuff.
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Ask him about any alternatives to seroquel.
  
  I'm not in any position to say if it is good or bad for you.
  But it was bad for me
  reply report
  58
  kim1971posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  i surely will. hope all is well with u. ill let u know what e says.
  reply report
14. 51
  paivabergposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Deleted
  80
  figmentposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Deleted
  68
  Faybe Bayposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  He's a flamer and a spammer as well! That takes you to an Acai supplement site!
  reply report
  80
  Fluffymetalposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I wasn't about to click on anything that guy had to say!
  reply report
  68
  Faybe Bayposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I don't believe he just came in here and said that. Anyway, I hoped it was some self-help group! acai... I can tell you right out what's wrong that caused mental illness to skyrocket. That is one of my goals, to shed light on what's going on.
  
  To be honest my mom was very ill, but very smart. She saw it all coming, and there was no one who would believe her.
  reply report
  58
  kim1971posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  hey faybe i fell her pain
  reply report
15. 60
  Jaggedfrostposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I have never had the luxury of being ashamed and perhaps you can tell this by my more militant post.
  My conditions are severe enough that I have had to make sure that those who count in my life are very aware of what is going on because if I am not honest about my conditions then things get very bad in a hurry when my mind shifts foci and everyone is left in the dust or some problem gets to too big for my present emotional state and the Aspergers portion of my mind doesn't want to deal.
  I have noticed, however that the majority of those that I feel like I need to discuss reality with often on first contact treat it like a man treats any discussion of the ins and outs of a woman's period. If I didn't feel the absolute need to be honest with them any way I know I would be effected by this reaction and be too self conscious by far to want to bring up the subject.
  reply report
16. 61
  nikki1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  It takes a brave person to talk about this. I admire you. Talking is achieving in my opinion. As long as you laugh your mistakes off you are all good. Clean up your mistakes you make with others. And, know how to be humble. And, always talk about your feelings and experiences. I have faith in you. Hugs my friend. Never have an ordinary day. What do you go through?
  reply report
17. 77
  schoolgirlforrealposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The only people I feel most comfortable around are other mentally ill people
  reply report
18. 77
  schoolgirlforrealposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I do feel embarrassed I think not sure why; well my family picks on me for it--they have issues too but deny them and self medicate and like to put the blame on me
  
  otherwise it's hard to ignore alot of the time because of the symptoms, I get very depressed, irritable, nervous around people--not all the time but enough ...I felt better when I worked full time...and I don't like being so overweight...i fell like i have only a few good days out of the month....hope htat changes
  reply report
61
double_frickposted 14 years ago
honestly, i feel like people think i'm trying to get attention when i talk about it. so usually i don't.
i guess i don't see what there is to discuss. lol
reply report
0
Ghost32posted 14 years ago
My wife was told for the first time, in a counseling session, that she'd been evaluated as SMI (Seriously Mentally Ill). A very high-functioning example, but still SMI.

Until then, she'd never shown embarrassment about her condition with all of its various manifestations...but at the same time, while she knew and admitted freely to pretty much anyone that she had mental health issues, or even that she was mentally ill per se, the addition of the word "Serious" threw her into a tailspin.

She's mentally brilliant as well, despite the beginning signs of dementia. First, she thanked the counselor for being the first person to ever be honest with her. Secondly, she looked back over her life and realized that she'd been SMI for most of her life if not all of it, based on things she'd said, felt, and done over the years.

NOW she's showing signs of being embarrassed. Struggling with it, but still embarrassed.

She's now 58.
reply report
1. 61
  double_frickposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  thats an inspiring story.
  your wife sounds like an amazing person.
  reply report
2. 73
  earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Many of the very smart people I know and have met display some kind of mental illness from bipolar disorder to full blown schizophrenia. Makes little difference to me, I enjoy the brilliance and we manage the rest without problems as much as we can. You seem to be tolerant enough to see the brilliance. Nice.
  reply report
0
Ghost32posted 14 years ago
She is. Olympic-qualified gymnast as a teenager, 144 I.Q. as measured in high school, head of her class, at one time a practicing pharmacist, and to date the only person I personally know who had multiple personalities but decided they were trouble and evicted them single handed (both she and I believe these are real entities, not simply mental aberrations). Been a race car driver, trucker, raised Arabian horses and silver blue Great Danes.

Husband froze her out after more than 20 years of marriage, kept the dogs, horses, and kids. She went homeless and survived nearly 3 years of that with a guy who stayed alive only because of HER survival skills. She's 5 feet, 92 pounds. He's dead now; only made it 9 months after I helped her out of that situation. We've been hooked at the hip ever since.

Oh, yeah. Besides her ailments (an Encyclopedia needed for all of those), she's also a double black belt--in Tae Kwon Do and also Hapkido. Got so good the other women wouldn't fight her in tournaments; she was taking out MEN.

We're currently in our 14th year together. For 12 of those, she's been so ill she could have "woke up dead" any morning...without exaggeration. Yet here she still is, takes lickin' after lickin' and keeps on tickin'.
reply report
1. 55
  foreignpressposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Ghost32: ". . .the only person I personally know who had multiple personalities but decided they were trouble and evicted them single handed (both she and I believe these are real entities, not simply mental aberrations)."
  _________________________________________________________
  
  So you're saying she was actually "inhabited" by other entities (spirits or demons)? Then she performed a self-exorcism? If, in fact, that's what you're saying that is incredible and worthy of a hub by itself (in another category, of course). I would be most interested in hearing more about that. If not, that's quite okay.
  reply report
73
earnestshubposted 14 years ago
By the way, my views on mental illness? As long as society considers me insane I feel very comfortable with it!
reply report
0
Ghost32posted 14 years ago
Feel pretty safe, then, doya, Earnest?
reply report
1. 73
  earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes I do ghost, the best ground to stand on is your own. I say use our idiosyncrasies to enlarge our scope! Viva la Difference! (hate french language! ) I was pretty rich and had time on my hands when younger, and spent a long time in therapy to improve my life, which had already become pretty good. Best money and time I ever spent. It certainly broadened what I will accept as "sane" especially after 3 years of dream analysis!
  The little bit of insanity on the outside ain't nothin!
  reply report
  0
  Deborah Sextonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  And who is to say that insanity isn't really sane and vice versa
  reply report
  93
  Susana Sposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I believe my madness is total sanity - too in touch with the "real stuff". I'm coming to enjoy it and benefit from it!
  reply report
  77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  well, now, that could be a little dangerous, thinking that way - if I thought you were really serious. But since I've seen your opinions on depression in that other thread, I know you are not! :
  reply report
0
Ghost32posted 14 years ago
You've certainly got that right. Haven't been in therapy myself (though it's been recommended by certain family members who shall remain unnamed), but got my psych degree and kept going through marriages until I found a sincerely mental lady with both beauty and brains; can't get much better than that!

When it comes to dream analysis, yeah, some of mine have been (and are) vewwy intwesting indeed. And you're absolutely correct, this little thang on the outside ain't nuthin'.

Thanks for reminding me.

'Night, by the way. Gotta get a couple hours, then go chase meds for the wife.
reply report
74
cheaptrickposted 14 years ago
Russell Crow did a film(based on a true story) about a schizophrenic man who was awarded the Noble prize in Physics"A beautiful mind".
Normal is what the Majority is and has nothing to do with what kind of person one is.If no harm is done to self or others people should celebrate who they are rather than force themselves to conform to what they are not!
reply report
77
kirstenblogposted 14 years ago
Well I was diagnosed as borderline personality disorder, chronic depression, dysthmic disorder and PTSD and I am freakin proud! I guess I used to be embarrassed but have overcome all the symptoms associated with these disorders and feel proud and amazed at that accomplishment.

I spent many years in and out of hospitals and if I start going on about stories of running away from them etc. I guess you could say I definitely lack the capacity for embarrassment!

Is lack of embarrassment a new symptom I wonder
reply report
1. 80
  figmentposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  To kirstenblog: I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (along with several other illnesses) but BPD embarrasses me the most. So I'm proud of you too!!!
  reply report
  77
  kirstenblogposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I only just found this post, thanks for the compliment
  
  BPD is sadly a very misunderstood condition. In my opinion this condition as it related to me was that it was a condition of the world I live in, crazy world, me sane!
  reply report
  0
  Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Dont ever let others ignorance dictate how you feel about yourself. You are a person with feelings, dreams, goals, hopes, fears, desires.....just like anyone else. So you go about things differently, big deal. Do whatever you must to be healthy and happy. Are people embarassed because they have cancer?
  reply report
59
NewYorkerposted 14 years ago
I have a brother who's a severe schizophrenic with OCD, a pathological liar and some more mental illnesses.

I was always very ashamed of his condition, and so were my parents and everyone in my family. The only one who would not let the shame get to him and would not let anyone judge him was, in fact, my brother.

Strange...
reply report
69
wyanjenposted 14 years ago
I'm not embarrassed and sure as hell not ashamed.
It's hard to feel that way after I've worked so hard to control it and be functional.

I hesitate, in some situations, to mention it though. I don't care about the stigma, but I just can't stand it when somebody chalks me up to a "symptom".
As in: She's only upset because she's bi-polar.

No, I'm upset because you pissed me off. Not every reaction is a symptom.
grrrr

reply report
1. 0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Grrr... I don't blame you a bit. I don't have Bipolar disorder, but severe chronic depression if I don't do what I "need to be doing"... if that makes sense. Exercising, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, talking, seeing people, actually answering the phone (maybe the hardest one for some reason), etc... This and all the things I've learned over the years to keep this beast at bay. I've been sober since 1995 and truly believe I used alcohol to self treat my depression. BTW, it doesn't work at all, just makes it much worse in the long run.
  
  No, I'm not embarrassed about any of it. If someone judges me I know it's just from lack of education on the topic, or lack of experience. I have great respect for all of you. Wyanjen, you are a gem. Thanks for the comments today.
  reply report
2. 70
  efeyasposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I feel ya on that one!
  reply report
0
lyricsingrayposted 14 years ago
yes.
reply report
1. 61
  Hokeyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Hey ghost! Don't be embarassed about something you have no control over silly.
  reply report
0
hamstersmessiahposted 14 years ago
i am not my diagnosis so why should i be embarrassed? i function quite well on medication and... who said that? are you listening? oh well... yes i have Schizo-Affective Disorder but it's just like any other disease. would you be ashamed to let people know you were a diabetic? i am just thankful that the medication i am on allows me to function and contribute in some small way through my writing.
reply report
83
WriteAngledposted 14 years ago
What is normal? By the criteria of current society, many are considered to be mentally ill because they do not fit in. In other societies, these same people were the shamans, seers and prophets.
reply report
1. 76
  Tadeusz598posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Are they? Can you give me some examples?
  
  I suspect that you are romanticising mental illness and the really there are very few such people in the west..
  reply report
  0
  B.C. BOUTIQUEposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  many people do think they have disorders and disease that they do not have, it is called hypochondria I believe..but when the state finally says look, this is your mental problem and this is why you have it..then it is kind of hard to be romanticizing about that.
  reply report
  0
  china manposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I have to agree with rightangle here - she said were and in other societies. Joan of Arc springs to mind, but where else do you get visions and voices if not from inside your own head ? Today the only visionaries left, after the advent of medication, seem to be some artists.
  reply report
60
Sara Tonynposted 14 years ago
I admit I am kind of embarrassed about it. But what really bugs me is having to 'defend' it to people who think simply singing 'High Hopes' will make it all disappear.

Major depression, OCD, ADD, Bipolar II
reply report
1. 0
  Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  its all in your head.....
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  And to you I say, "Flugelhorn!"
  reply report
  0
  Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I tried to say that to you a few days ago, but I forgot how to spell it!!!
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  reply report
2. 77
  skyfireposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  What is ADD ?
  reply report
  0
  Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I have a hub about it
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  And here's the hub!:
  
  http://hubpages.com/hub/-ADD-and-me
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Attention Deficit Disorder
  
  (No Hyperactivity. Otherwise it would be ADHD.)
  (P.S. But I think ADHD is now the 'official' name.)
  reply report
  77
  skyfireposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Okay. Was curious to know if decision making panic-attacks, fear-of-failure comes under some disorder ?
  reply report
  0
  Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  im not promoting. i dont even have adsense...really read my ADD hub, it has usefull links. Good luck!
  reply report
  77
  skyfireposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Justine, just checked your hub, the link that you have placed for checking ADD is what i checked to test myself and i have to agree with this in your hub :
  
  Spot on..
  reply report
  0
  Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  do you have any idea how many times I proofread that, and now see the errors!?!? oh well....
  reply report
  77
  skyfireposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I guess we've to find credible sites and tests. I mean there are many home-made IQ/meyer-briggs tests. So unless there are credible sites we can't even take those sites seriously. Not sure where to look for credible site in medical domain, but will see if i can get any, will get back to your hub with the link of credible tests/site.
  reply report
  0
  Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I know, right? Im either a genius, or a drooling idiot...
  I dont have the luxoury of going to a doctor. Let me know what you find.
  reply report
  72
  lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Check and see if your shirt is wet! You're one of my favorite writers, so I'd say genius applies.
  reply report
  0
  Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  maybe savant? i toatlly looked to see if my shirt was wet!! thanks. Your one of my favs too, nd only just noticed I hadnt 'followed' you..oops
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Panic attacks are part of Panic Disorder (with or without agoraphobia) which is an anxiety disorder.
  
  There are lots of things that might trigger a panic attack. Maybe in your case decision making and fear of failure are at the root of your panic attacks?
  
  What did your doc diagnose you with?
  reply report
  83
  WriteAngledposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I get panic attacks occasionally. At one point, my GP doubled my dose of citalopram to help me cope with anxiety about my divorce settlement, losing my house, etc. I then started getting panic attacks daily so I went cold turkey on the citalopram. I ended up with a year's supply unused in my bathroom cabinet. Started feeling bleak again recently, so have decided to go back on it for a couple of months, but at half the last dose!
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I understand. I keep Xanax on hand cuz I still have an occasional panic attack. I used to take one or two tablets and they worked pretty well. But when I take Xanax with the meds I'm on now, the Xanax hits me like a brick! I can't take more than half a tablet or I'll fall asleep soon afterwards and be groggy the entire next day.
  reply report
  77
  skyfireposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  yet to consult with doc.
  
  Advice i got from parents and friends is, stop investing in stocks for next 4-6 months you'll be normal. Lol.
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Have to agree with them. I rarely look at how my stocks are doing now.
  
  At one time I burned through a bundle of $$$ playing stupid penny stocks for a laugh. Not laughin' about that stupid idea now. Sheesh.
  reply report
  77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  yep - its the high intelligence disorder, commonly known as "genius" people who aren't intelligent don't know enough to have panic attacks and have no idea that their decisions aren't always right! I've met some people recently who are so cruelly un-intelligent that they don't realize how stupid some of the judgments they make are - so consider your panic a sign of a high-functioning brain.
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Are you serious or just pulling his leg?
  
  Any sort of reference you can point me to that would support that? I don't recall ever hearing about any such connection.
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Ignorance is bliss.
  reply report
  77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I am rather serious about this - I just have a theory that if you're smart enough to know that in the past some of your decisions had disastrous consequences, you will of course panic some when you have to make decisions. If you are not very smart you just keep stumbling along and never feel too bad about making stupid choices. Of course, I don't have anything that corroborates my theory. I just believe this is so. If you wanted to research it, you might find some evidence supporting it. I seem to remember hearing somewhere that certain mental illnesses most often show up in very intelligent people, but then I am not an authority - just another crazy!
  reply report
  77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I just did the search for "Intelligence and mental illness" and found a surprising number of entries on the subject and now I am very excitedly reading through the info - I may be able to back-up my theory after all! do you know? that would make a big difference in how a lot of people relate to the world if they can take an IQ test and explain part of their psychology this way - sometimes simple answers are true!
  reply report
  77
  skyfireposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Well i can back your this theory up a bit. But i can't say that i qualify enough for that much intelligent to be getting into disorder (or maybe i do, not sure you people & doc decide).
  
  Here is what i found personally, more rational thinking you do and try to socialize you'll find the logical fallacies/self bias/confirmation bias in people(quite natural after looking at the cognitive dissonance theory), and you'll find clashing with religion/political or simply irrational people. You'll always find yourself into conflict if you think rational all time. And to avoid this If you isolate yourself from crowd(society) then you're doomed either you'll be hannibal lecter/or some person locked up in cell. Thing is society is working on irrational chains of rules, which any rational person can sense and talk about. Opposing society in brute force method simply ends up frustration, panic attacks and isolation and more likely those people end up in mental disorder. So far i managed to find this much out.
  reply report
  77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I am going to do some more research on panic disorder and intelligence - doubt if there's any real scientific evidence because there seems to be so little really solid evidence about any psych theory - its ok, for me that is, just to "know" the basic truth is there - intelligence=self-aware=tendency to be not normal in many, many ways. and then when you add the social element of parents, doctors, teachers etc. not having equal intelligence and being threatened or at the very least misunderstanding higher intelligence - well, that's the main reason I don't get embarrassed! always consider the source!
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I'd love to know if you find anything interesting!
  reply report
  77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  this could lead to a hub! I'll keep you posted
  reply report
  77
  skyfireposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Well there is a book on cognitive dissonance theory ( Mistakes were made but not by me-By carol travis) that books explains this social aspect and how this works. But that book doesn't explains how one should deal with it or maybe i didn't paid attention while reading that book So personally i'm sure about this social aspect+intelligence(self bias and stuff) but there is more to it, have to read about Daniele Dennet and similar credible authors sources on this.
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Oh, yeah. There's a definite connection between intelligence and mental illness. But it's not a certainty or easily understood.
  
  There are plenty of brilliant people who don't suffer from a mental illness and plenty of mentally ill people who are nowhere near being geniuses.
  
  Initially I thought you knew of some connection between Panic Disorder (specifically) and intelligence. That's why I asked if you knew of any reference material. But a connection of some sort between intelligence and mental illness in general is pretty much accepted. It's probably the basis for expressions such as "There's a fine line between genius and madness" (or however it's worded!).
  reply report
  0
  hamstersmessiahposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  just another way of doctor's extracting money from an eager public who wants to find something wrong with the way they are because they don't fit in to the cookie cutter assembly line of society. honestly i would love to go off my medication and just be who i am supposed to be but i've tried that and all they do is lock me up.
  reply report
  0
  Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  nobody wants you to be locked up!!
  reply report
  0
  hamstersmessiahposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  i've been there... unwillingly in a state facility and it's not pretty... so i stay on my meds until normies can deal with people who are tapped in to a different consciousness. i will be a good little patient and feed the doctors and nurses what they want to hear because my crime is having a "disorder" that this society can't accept.
  reply report
  0
  Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  well...looks like your among the norm here.
  reply report
72
lorlie6posted 14 years ago
I can't imagine a future when mental illness is not stigmatized. "Those crazies" are the bums, the homeless, the people we simply wish would go away. And medicated 'normies' like myself have had to go through a twisted system to become comfortable in this world. I've been diagnosed with so many "illnesses" that I've almost lost count, but they've mostly arisen from a feeling of alienation.
So many of we 'artists' suffer from such conditions, it almost seems necessary-or conditional to our expression.
Great thread.
reply report
1. 60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You hit on a great point. I really hate taking meds because they blunt the extremely creative 'high' I used to get. Of course they also keep me from sinking into serious depression so...
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  hmm.
  
  I planned all week long to be writing this afternoon but the best I can manage so far has been to play boggle and check the forums a little.
  I'm very bummed out by this. But I can't walk away from the 'puter either, because my plan was to be writing. Is it worse to give up, or feel like a JA while I sit here wasting time?
  
  Yay, meds. woo hoo.
  reply report
  77
  skyfireposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  We need "Hub-mySin" tablets to get over writers block.
  reply report
  72
  lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  So do I, Sara!!! Without them I went into such creative bliss it amazed me. Alas, though, I also went on insane, really insane, shopping sprees, so I simply can't afford my 'biochemical imbalance' any longer.
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  YES! Yay for mania!
  
  Yep. I laugh at the national debt now. In a really manic phase, I could top that pittance easily!
  reply report
  72
  lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  But without mania, how am I going to write the Great American Novel? Damn these pills!
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I know!
  
  I've written a whopping 6 hubs in 6 months and the only creative one is about death!
  reply report
  72
  lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  My personal favorite!!!
  reply report
  72
  lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Don't feel alone, Sara, I've been here 8 months and have 18 on record. Mania can't be forever, girl!
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  True but it rarely visits anymore...
  reply report
  72
  lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yep, my last was in June. Dang. Oh well, we just have to think up some other method...umm, Weed? Meth? How's about a bit of Coke?
  JUST kidding-but I am in total agreement with you, mania's a blast.
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  red bull does wonders...
  reply report
  72
  lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Thanks for the tip, wyanjen-must invest...must invest-am I talking too much?
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  When I was taking Xanax, it hit me like a brick too. I hated it.
  
  I found that drinking a red bull whenever I had to take one made a huge difference. Panic attack would stop, and I still had energy to get my work done.
  
  <EDIT> I'm drinking one right now. I've GOT to get some work done
  reply report
  72
  lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  No kidding...all kidding aside, maybe I'll try one.
  report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I don't drink red bull casually. It doesn't give me the jitters at all, and I don't feel all squirrelly like I do when I'm in a manic episode. No running around & talking fast from RB for me
  
  It just gives me alertness and motivation to get my work done. I drink a ton of coffee and the caffeine doesn't have a noticeable effect on me, so I'm careful about drinking too much RB. I don't want to become immune to it like I am to coffee
  report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Coffee still gives me a kick so I haven't moved up to Red Bull yet. I'm saving it for the day coffee no longer helps.
  
  Do you find that you're more creative at certain times of the day?
  
  I know late night is much better for me. I've always been a night owl. Now I'm becoming a 24 hour owl...
  report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Certain times of the day - absolutely. I've been struggling for about 3 hours on a hub. But when the clock hits 11PM, imagine me flying along. I'll go all night. 11 pm - 4 am is my prime time. But I need to be asleep then, so you can see the problem
  report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Ah, yes! Big problem there.
  report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Me, too. I'm barely sleeping these days, have the headache to prove it. I'm pretty much only creative after 11:00 at night. Then, once I get started I have to see it through to its completion, NO MATTER WHAT. I stayed up 'til 4:00 this morning on a hub I couldn't stop.
  
  This group therapy is great. See, we don't need an HP psychologist in residence. HA!
  report
  93
  Susana Sposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  It's interesting this whole body clock thing - I do my best work between 8am and 2pm and drink about 8 cups of coffee while I'm doing it, lol
  
  P.S. Double expressos
  report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  If I could do this, it would be heaven...
  My boss would be in heaven too
  report
  93
  Susana Sposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I totally see your dilema - I guess I am just lucky with my body clock thing.
  
  What's rock stars WS ?? I can only work when I am alone too, luckily my kids are at school.
  report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  It's basically a Red Bull, Susana. Energy drink, really, LOADED with caffeine. *Runs off to get one*
  report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  wow. spooky. But, I wonder what reason there could be? Why 11-4?
  Next time I'm writing furiously at 2AM i'll imagine you are too.
  
  I actually took a night job because of this. It worked well from my job point of view, but my personal life took too big of a hit.
  report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I recall reading something about bipolars having screwed up circadian rhythms. I've been conducting my own little informal study on it and I'm thinking there's some validity to the idea.
  report
  93
  Susana Sposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I think a lot of mental ill health results from screwed up body clocks. Maybe not results from....is caused by.....I don't know. But I do know when I get enough sleep and enough day light I am a whole lot better.
  report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I totally agree, Susana. I read some intersting studies on this in graduate school. And, I've done my own very "unscientific" case study with one person: moi. But, even if I'm sleeping "the proper ours" and doing what I need to be doing, WHAM BAM, no thank you, mam I'm suddenly in a dark cloud. It helps, but not a perfect panacea for me.
  
  There are some fasicnating studies going on here in Portland at Oregon Health Sciences University about the link between fibromyalgia and sleep. It seems these poor folks don't get enough restorative R.E.M. sleep.
  report
  93
  Susana Sposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  No there's no perfect panacea. I have come to accept my depression - if I need to sleeep for 24 hrs I do - it helps. If I need to be reclusive I am. If I need to cry I do. I do think sunlight helps me though...I try and go outside for an hour a day, walking or gardening or whatever. Aparently from stuff I've read it helps maintain a good body clock??
  report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Funny you mention allowing yourself to do these things. I'm in a reclusive mood lately and I end up feeling guilty about it, then I get more depressed, oh dear God the vicious cycle. I like your take, I'm stealing it. It's okay if I don't want to see anyone right now, dammit.
  
  I've always loved being alone, too. That doesn't help. I'll generally opt to be alone, if the choice is available. I guess I like my own company just a bit too much.
  report
  93
  Susana Sposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes Wordscibe! Allow it (if your commitments allow it) and enjoy it! Be YOU and do what you need to do!
  report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I enjoy being alone too -- which drives some of my friends and relatives up the wall. They "need to be among people".
  
  Most times I'm annoyed if other people are around!
  report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Have I mentioned to you how much I like you, Sara. Liked you before this thread a lot, but knew there was something about you that was, well... familiar. It all makes sense to me now.
  
  And, yes, drives my family nuts, too. Sad to say, but I've lost a LOT of friends this way.
  report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I lost a husband this way...
  
  But he is a total dick. I just didn't notice at the time.
  All's well that ends well.
  report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Close personal relationships are difficult to maintain. Those 'normies' just can't understand why we have such trouble being like everyone else.
  
  And I've yet to figure out a way to explain it to them!
  report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  It sounds like it was a blessing in disguise, then. It really does take its toll on relationships. I just pretty much focus on my kids for now. I get tired of making excuses and trying to explain. All I have to say to one friend, borrowing from Winston Churchill's expression is that "The black dog has come for a visit" and she gets it.
  report
  73
  earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I believe most people get a visit from the black dog at some point in our lives, I really like the empathy on this thread. We should all know by now that mental illness can strike anyone, we are all in this together.
  Wordscribe that is a very beautiful and very large Puddytat!
  report
  93
  Susana Sposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, it's nice to know that empathy is still alive and well at HP!
  
  P.S. That cat is humungous - what R you feeding him on!
  report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I'm not a fat cat, Earnest and Susana, I am big boned, I'll have you know.
  
  Seriously, she's not my kitty. She's a flickr creative commons girl, I used her in a hub. She just puts me in a good mood, so I decided I wanted to see her daily. Plus, I was feeling rather bloated at the time. Still am, actually, but that's another forum topic.
  report
  93
  Susana Sposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Ha Ha! I thought you were feeding your cat to death, lol
  
  Glad to know she's just a big ole girl (or boy) Your pussy made me smile too
  report
  83
  WriteAngledposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Anubis?
  report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I'm on board with that.
  The first of the year, I took a week off from work. I simply spent the week at home : no alarm clocks, no sleeper pills, no schedule. I slept when I needed to, not when I was supposed to. I had myself so flipped around I was losing track of which day it was... but I felt great
  
  The flip side is when I sleep for 14+ hours at a time. That is devastating to me. My new dr. has been treating me with a med for narcolepsy... I'm doing very well with it. Thumbs up to the hyper-somnia diagnosis
  I am still sleep walking too much though.
  report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I know exactly what you're talking about. When I worked a 9-5 job I really, really, struggled to wake up on time and be functioning well before noon.
  
  Thank goodness I don't have to 'conform' now. I never use an alarm clock anymore. I think they're cruel!
  report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I'll think of you at 2 am, also. I live in the US, west coast time. But, my hours are pretty complimetary to anyone's in the world these days.
  report
  72
  lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Exactly...those fools in Washington moaning at the National Debt. What do they know?
  reply report
83
WriteAngledposted 14 years ago
Maybe we need to be mad to be a hubber, heh, heh.
reply report
1. 0
  Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  awhile back there was a thread asking for ideas for a new hubpages tagline
  I said it should be..." were all mad here" (from Alice in Wonderlans)
  reply report
  72
  lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  reply report
77
kirstenblogposted 14 years ago
It's funny I just was reminded of something I saw the other day about med companies importing the meds we westerners have known for years to countries like china and japan. The gist of the comments were about how those countries used to place some of these disorders in high respect in their cultures and our meds are changing attitudes toward mental illness because of it. An example would be a society that considers depression a spiritual state to be sought after now being flooded with pills to feel better. I really do wonder if we are not missing a trick here by not valuing those who experience this world in an altered was from the norm.....
reply report
60
karentposted 14 years ago
I have bipolar disorder and I'm no more embarrassed about it than my husband is about his diabetes. I do admit that I get my feathers ruffled when they run news stories about something that someone with a mental illness did and then focus on the mental illness. People will jump on the bandwagon and start talking about mental illness as some sort of plague. I have always been honest about my disorder and find that friends can help me manage my behavior better by knowing what to look for and to help me with. My disorder has helped me to be who I am and accomplish many things in my life, so I'm not embarrassed.
reply report
1. 72
  lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  karent, that takes alot of courage, and I commend you for it. Your husband and friends sound amazing. Mine still dismiss it-I was diagnose with Bi-Polar only a year ago.
  reply report
  60
  karentposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I don't run around and tell everyone, but I tell close friends and family so they can alert me to my moods and behaviors. One of the most common things when you are bipolar is to think that you are fine and everyone else has the problem, so it really helps me when a friend can tell me that I'm getting overly negative, talking too fast, overreacting, etc. I'm assuming that the average person is able to self-monitor these things. There's no shame in having help with that if you need it.
  reply report
  0
  Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Its so amazing you can see that. There are people I dearly love who insist I cant accept them, they refuse to see the behaviour patterns, it must be me...being judgemental. Kudos to you.
  reply report
2. 60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Good for you, Karen!
  reply report
0
china manposted 14 years ago
Everyone around me seems to be mentally ill, so I guess that will be me then.

The most interesting friends I have are those diagnosed with something, some of the most interesting writers and forum posters on here seem to be in this thread. Nothing to be embarrassed about I would say.
reply report
1. 0
  Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  yeehaw. You cant help how your born. You are who you are. Live it, love it, own it. Just dont hide behind it to be cruel to others, or ignore medical help if your suffering.
  reply report
  0
  china manposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Thanks for your concern Justine. All my family think I am crazy to disappear to China, most of them are in mortgage debt and struggling with s**tty jobs - while I live in fair luxury, teach around 500 pretty young ladies anything and any way I choose as long as it is in English, I have 3 months paid holiday a year and travel to every interesting location in China for fun without breaking the pay bank that I get here, Oh yes, beer is 0.22 dollars and my partner is the prettiest girl I have ever met. Clearly they are all sane and I am the crazy one!
  
  But are you suggesting that I am cruel to others ?
  reply report
93
habeeposted 14 years ago
I don't suffer from my craziness - I rather enjoy it!
reply report
38
privateye2500posted 14 years ago
These days I don't think I know of ONE single person who has not be *diagnosed* with a mental illness. The term is so broadly used that it runs from alcoholism/addiction/GAD/ADD/ADHD/mild depression, etc....

One example - short form - friends son of 4 is just a rambunctious<--sp? kid. They want to stick him on meds right out of the gate.

Medicate everyone - drugs companies get filthy richer (and the dr.s) - everyone else walks around like a sombie? Little kids??

COME ON!

People are all different - we are not robots and while, OF COURSE, there are people who NEED medication; there are a massive percentage who don't and take them anyway cuz *the dr. said so*.

Bunk.

And if you do have a mental illness, SO WHAT!?

Nothing to be ashamed of!

Is cancer to be ashamed of? diabities? MS? etc...ad finium.
reply report
83
donotfearposted 14 years ago
Absolutely not ashamed of it. It's not an illness, it's a personality trait to me. Why be ashamed of the way one is wired? Heck I know I'm obsessive!!! At east I found a name for it! HA!
reply report
1. 72
  lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  GOOD for YOU, gal-I love your attitude!
  reply report
  0
  Tammy Lochmannposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  No one should ever be ashamed of having an illness.
  reply report
0
wordscribe41posted 14 years ago
Funny, Susana and wyanjen. I've moved on to Rock Stars now (I know, I know), I get a bunch of well-deserved grief about it. My advice: don't get started on them, 'k??? They are addicting in a surprising number of ways.

Wyanjen, I'm not sure whaddup about the whole 11-4 thing, either. I've always been this way to some extent, but lately I just really can't write worth *hit in the day. I love nights when everyone else is asleep, that's part of the lure for me somehow. I KNOW for certain no one in this house will bother me.

I have to be really careful about this, though 'cause I can easily get my sleep schedule all flipped. Then, I get depressed. Why does it all seem so complicated? UGH!
reply report
77
sabrebIadeposted 14 years ago
Considering that about one in four adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder it shouldn't bother anyone.
reply report
0
Pani Midnyte Odinposted 14 years ago
I think it can be embarrassing at times. Like when my mother announces to a room full of strangers that I spent time in a mental institution and they should be careful with my feelings. I know she was trying to get them to stop talking about a certain topic, but it was embarrassing to spend the rest of the evening with people staring at me as if they were afraid of what I might do.
reply report
1. 60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The important thing to keep in mind is that you're not alone. That doesn't make you feel any better during one of those uncomfortable moments though.
  reply report
59
love my yorkiesposted 14 years ago
I joke about having ADD, helps me deal with it a little better. The other illnesses I have, I have only shared with a very few close friends as some of them are hereditary.
reply report
77
mega1posted 14 years ago
Craziness is becoming the norm - I believe that. It should make me feel better about myself, but since I am OCD, PTSD, narcissistic and a few other things - I can't feel better. I just have to deal with it. and it's not like people wouldn't know if I didn't tell them - wish it were so. I was always considered eccentric by some and deranged by others - so I choose carefully who I listen to! But, part of my "illness" precludes me ever feeling embarrassed - if somebody recognizes my ailment, I just have to agree. I've learned to accept that this is part of what makes me creative and full of new ideas and fun. 'course it also makes me grouchy, moody, and sometimes a little mean, but if I am told it shows, in a quiet, nice way I snap right out of it! SNAP! One thing is I don't like to be physically touched much, so the cyber life is very ideal for me. please, feed the crazies! feed with kindness, respect and understanding! but keep a respectful distnce!
reply report
1. 0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  He he he. I agree it has its creative perks. That has to play a part in the whole picture... I really do. Sylvia Plath comes to mind, among many others.
  
  I see you ditched the kitty.
  reply report
  77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  yeh - the kitty was too sweet - this little girl with lamby is also getting to me - I was a devil for awhile earlier but that was tooooo out there - so I'm currently searching for something that will express who I am today. stay tuned!
  reply report
83
WriteAngledposted 14 years ago
All praise to us crazies. We have the skills and the knowledge to triumph. We'll get by with our ridiculous body clocks while the 9-5 managers lose their credibility and ultimately their jobs.
reply report
1. 93
  Susana Sposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Life would sure be boring if we were all sane
  
  People who think, who analyse, who weigh stuff up, are far more interesting in my world view and unfortunately they are the same people who feel very, very low sometimes. It's the downside of being an idealist and a thinker.
  reply report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Well said on all counts. It's also interesting how quite a few of us have been on the ACOA thread (adult children of alcoholics)... Maybe we are thrust into being thinkers and feelers early on... I know I had to be introspective to stay sane.
  reply report
2. 69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  yup.
  
  My philosophy is: If you're going to bitch about something, then you also have to salute something that is good.
  
  My good thing:
  Since my divorce I've been living alone. Bad idea for somebody like me.
  My mornings are so bad between the sleeping problem and the sleep walking problem, I just can't seem to get my stuff straight and get to work on time with a nice schedule.
  My boss knows quite a bit about my situation. My shift starts at 7AM. He has said to me, if I'm not going to make it by 9 or 9:30, give him a call so he knows I'm OK.
  
  My own private trade-off for that is to kick butt once I get there. I keep the presses rolling, on time and all day long.
  reply report
3. 60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  So when do we plan to take over the world?
  
  I hope it's at night...
  reply report
  77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  tonight is good for me! day off tomorrow!
  reply report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Works for me, too! Just watching the Olympics and all.
  reply report
  77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I know this is silly, but I really thought we had ALREADY taken over the world!
  reply report
  68
  Faybe Bayposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I thought everyone left and went to bed
  reply report
  93
  Susana Sposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  We are all different time zones I'm awake and up for a chat!
  reply report
  68
  Faybe Bayposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Guess so, it's not even 7 pm where I am. I am just catching up on eight days worth of thread. My mother took me to be analyzed before puberty even hit, my brother too. We were just upset our dad was dead but she was sure we were ill. It runs in the family. When we say 'you're sick again' it isn't the flu. I was pleased to find I am not the only one who fights the battle without meds. I know we are smart enough to want to avoid the side effects and yet have to lean once in awhile
  reply report
  93
  Susana Sposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Sad she couldn't just talk to you about your loss and had to make someone else do it Meds or no meds, I think it's a personal choice. I go from one to the other, lol
  reply report
  83
  WriteAngledposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Tomorrow night!!!
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Not another Valentine's Day massacre, I hope!
  reply report
77
mega1posted 14 years ago
this answer was posted in WikiAnswers:

"Highly intelligent people are more likely to be able to recognise the onset of mental illness, and to take the necessary psychological steps to prevent it becoming noticeable or out of control. Their habit of analysing, although it may seem to others to lead to more stress, leads to long term solutions to their problems. Highly intelligent people can recognise stress, and take the necessary steps to overcome it."

makes sense to me!
reply report
93
Susana Sposted 14 years ago
One of the best books I ever read was "The spiritual advantages of a painful childhood". One of the things it talks about is how highly developed our intuition and empathy become when we are frightened all the time. We try to predict the behaviour of others in order to keep ourselves as safe as we can. These talents can serve us well in adulthood if we recognize them
reply report
1. 60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Now that really makes sense to me. Thanks for mentioning the book. I'll make a point of reading it!
  reply report
  93
  Susana Sposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes Sara it's definitely worth a read! It helps change the mindset around from victim to someone blessed with unique talents
  reply report
2. 72
  lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I just phoned the local bookstore and ordered it, Susana-they said the primary title is Legacy of the Heart by a Wayne Muller. Is this the same one?
  reply report
  93
  Susana Sposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, that's it
  reply report
  73
  earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Good hubness ladies, how constructive you are! Well done both of you!
  reply report
  93
  Susana Sposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I don't think anything can kill off the hublove
  
  EDIT: Not from me anyway
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I found it on Amazon for $10.08 and it's eligible for free shipping with orders of $25+.
  
  Is that a better deal?
  
  http://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Heart-Spir … 0671797840
  reply report
59
love my yorkiesposted 14 years ago
I guess this means I'm "highly intelligent"! I just knew it had to be true no matter what the voices tell me.
reply report
1. 77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  oh - don't joke around about the voices! they will get you bad! one dr told me that most people's "auditory hallucinations" or "the voices" almost never say anything positive!
  reply report
  77
  skyfireposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  eat sugar. eat meat. drink.
  reply report
  77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  go buy a bong and some kona gold!
  reply report
60
Sara Tonynposted 14 years ago
All kidding aside, this discussion has really been therapeutic for me.

I'll be in fine spirits when we take over the world tomorrow night.
reply report
1. 0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  For me, as well. Thanks, Figment for starting the topic. See ya'll tomorrow night, then.
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Till then!
  reply report
2. 69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, this was a great afternoon for me too.
  I've made a few new friends in the process.
  
  I love that the internet lets you meet folks who also never leave their houses.
  
  Take care all
  
  Peace
  Jen
  reply report
77
skyfireposted 14 years ago
Ah me too off for sleep.
reply report
1. 0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Sleep well, skyfire.
  reply report
60
Sara Tonynposted 14 years ago
Wordscribe is right. This is a great topic, figment. Thanks!

@skyfire G'nite!
reply report
77
mega1posted 14 years ago
Parents often have their own problems and are so afraid their children will have problems - in the process they create problems! or they just don't understand. Back in the 60's it was horrific! as you can imagine, many parents were looking for an answer when their kids didn't want to live by the same social rules they had . . . and so - shock treatments, very heavy meds, making teens into guinea pigs for the psych establishment etc etc etc - and nowadays it is some better. Still just knowing that people with closed minds, even if they are related to you, will not have the answers you need, and believing in your own intuitions about yourself will help so very much.
reply report
1. 93
  Susana Sposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Not sure it's much better for lots of children now - I'm thinking of the ones getting pumped full of ritalin.
  
  Believing in yourself helps very much indeed!
  reply report
56
CodyPhrenismposted 14 years ago
I understand completely, I try not to discuss anything involving my mental illness unless it's someone that I absolutely know is there to try and understand me. Using it as an excuse is unacceptable to me but seeking advice and help is admirable.
reply report
1. 69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You've lost your 'e'
  
  An excuse means that a person is avoiding responsibility.
  Bad.
  
  A reason means that a person understands the cause of the problem but also accepts the responsibility.
  Good.
  
  I think about this distinction quite a bit. When something goes wrong, I run it through.
  Even if it's only privately, by avoiding the "excuse" I can stop myself from spiraling down.
  
  An excuse comes from a position of weakness. A reason puts you in a position of strength.
  
  reply report
64
Mishaposted 14 years ago
I don't have mental issues, therefore I don't suffer, therefore it does not embarrass me.

I feel like a minority on this site though
reply report
1. 0
  Deborah Sextonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Heyy!
  Many people here have accused me of being M.I. however I'm not either.
  reply report
2. 77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  hang around for awhile and let us tell you what's wrong with you!
  reply report
3. 69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You're not actually a minority; there are just not a lot of threads that go on about how cool it is to not be crazy
  reply report
  77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I could almost get embarrassed about that reply! : almost, but not quite
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Embarrassed by this reply?
  Nah.
  
  It's better to be the minority. The best things in life... never seem to involve being in the majority of anything.
  reply report
  68
  Faybe Bayposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  truer words never spoken, the problem is the commercials make it appear that the whole world is crazy... That would put us in the majority... Think if the majority of the world went on that med... Nah, forget it don't think about that.
  reply report
  77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  what do you think about tv commercials for prescribed medications - in general not just for depression etc. but all the other ones including male "enhancement"? - it makes me very uncomfortable and I think they go way too far.
  reply report
  73
  earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  They do provide a bit of humour for my idea of what is funny!
  Ridiculous? You Betcha!
  reply report
  77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  "You're not actually a minority; there are just not a lot of threads that go on about how cool it is to not be crazy"
  
  forgive me but I interpreted that as saying that THIS thread was going on about how cool it IS to BE crazy - and that is just not true. do you see how I got that impression? just using the word "crazy" doesn't fit your earlier posts at all! so I don't understand the whole reply now - never mind, not that important.
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  sorry, that's the opposite of my point.
  You know me better than that
  
  If the forums were filled with threads from people who talk about NOT having mental illness, then it wouldn't seem like we are the majority.
  I was just having fun with Misha's post.
  
  Sorry I used the "C" word though, if it bothers you. I apologize.
  I'm not a very PC person - that's not even the worst word I use when I'm talking about myself - but it isn't meant to be demeaning or insulting.
  
  reply report
  77
  mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  oh crap - I use crazy and demented and worse all the time myself - and I'm about as PC as an iguana. I didn't get all bent about it - just wondered. Now I sound like an OCD person or something! OH, waitaminute, I am an OCD person!
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  yeah, that post did sound a little strange... until you consider the smart-a$$ factor.
  
  It can be way too easy on a forum for a misunderstanding like that to happen. I was only a little worried that my language was offensive. That happens sometimes...
  
  reply report
  68
  Faybe Bayposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I see I used the c word also, poor etiquette on my part. But the Dr. did tell my brother "You're mother is CRAZY" And my brother said, I know she has a lot of problems... the Dr interupted and said, "No she is crazy, and I don't use that term lightly.
  So, we, in our family, since insanity runs in the family, just try not to go to the C place. Five of us, and not a sane one, truly, in the bunch.
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I believe that "offended" is something that people decide to be.
  As in the phrase "take offense".
  
  I never decide to be offended. This is why I can be a little tone-deaf sometimes.
  reply report
59
Madison22posted 14 years ago
No it does not.
reply report
56
Msgracieposted 14 years ago
Well, to be honest and frank, I have not been diagnosed with a mental illness...However, I have a friend that has OCD and also Attention Deficit...she also is extremely nervous on many things. However, she doesn't share it with everyone....she was recently diagnosed and it does embarass her. She has been trying to get help regarding jobs, etc...but she is feeling that she has those issues, but she is capable of doing for herself....she has a lot of pride and although she has been diagnosed, she doesn't want her mental isssues to get in the way of her life...However, due to her not being more open about it she has lost several great jobs due to her inability to handle all the working situations. I feel that no, you should not feel or be obligated to tell everyone about your issue, but only when it can be the most helpful to you. You shouldn't be embarassed either, if you are unable to help your situation.... Also, they want to check her for depression, she is somewhat reluctant and doesn't want to deal with it...Also, she feels that she is treated as if she is uncapable of things and feels as if she is treated as if she (forgive what I say, as these are her words) stupid, retarded, or slow learner...she says she isn't but has issues and just wanted to be treated fairly.
reply report
73
earnestshubposted 14 years ago
It is understandable that someone like your friend feels like that, when society's attitudes to mental illness have been so bad in the past.
reply report
77
mega1posted 14 years ago
It's taken many years for me to speak openly and I can talk about it noe with you because I doubt if anything I say here will come back and bite me. I feel now that it is good to share experiences online like this because every once in awhile, someone says something that opens a door for me.

For instance earlier we were talking about intelligence and mental illness - how many times is it that people who are diagnosed or perceived as mentally ill are just very intelligent and have problems associated with their high IQs? I don't know the answer to this so now I am researching it and finding some very interesting stuff about intelligence, creativity, and incidence of some mental illnesses. And one thing I'm thinking is that the doctors would be well advised to ask patients for their opinions about their own illnesses, causes and treatments etc. but they seldom do that.

So in my opinion, openly discussing one's illness (mental or otherwise) is part of the healing. I think you can tell your friend that over time she will have better experiences talking about it than not talking about it. Isolating one's self and trying to ignore the problem just makes some new worse problems for people.

But I am very cautious because most people's underlying attitudes, even well-educated otherwise open-minded people, are very demeaning, condescending, overly polite sometimes, and sometimes just mean about it. People make inconsiderate jokes, and repeat all the out-dated myths and misconceptions. It is hard sometimes to just stay silent around people like that, but that is best.

No one I work with or who hires me needs to know about my diagnoses - they know I am "eccentric" but I am not dangerous, or stupid, or overtly "crazy" so I get by. Many would be surprised to hear about my daily struggles - but I would probably be surprised to hear about some struggles going on out there too.
reply report
1. 0
  china manposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Nice way to put it all. Also - being different is often an asset to society in many ways, creativity the most obvious; and the first monkey who sat down and really thought about it all was different to the rest. Happy Chinese New Year to everyone in here by the way we are at last officially 2010 solar and lunar, and I hope valentine brings something more cuddly than just a card.
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Gung hay fat choy!
  reply report
69
wyanjenposted 14 years ago
pardon my interruption:

I have been screwing around all day with a project, getting nowhere and getting frustrated.
Just now, I figured out the problem with my format - which has caused me to stall so long.

it is now 10:24 EST.

Is this spooky? Or am I making too much out of the 11PM - 4AM window.
Anyway, I'll be up til at least 1AM to finish this project.

Off to the races I go
reply report
1. 0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  But, you were just a little early... 10:24 and all... It's 9:55 here and I'm at least an hour and 5 minutes away from anything productive. What's your project?
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  I'm stuck again, and ready to abandon it.
  
  I'm trying to make charts that compare the planets. I'm still learning how to use iWork so I'm not real good at it.
  
  I get the spreadsheet built up, and I make a neat little chart, but the problem is Jupiter. And, Saturn. They are so much bigger that they make the little planets disappear right off the chart...
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  This is for work?
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  No, I'm working on a hub about the planets.
  It's supposed to be "fun"
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Well, just leave the huge planets off the graph and explain their absences by saying they're currently on the other side of the sun.
  reply report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You are brilliant, Sara!!!
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  I could get away with that... I put some goofy stuff on these types of hubs...
  
  I have an idea to cut out the middle of the chart, so you only see the detail at the very beginning and the very end. I just can't figure out how. (yet)
  
  @ wordscribe: This software came with the Mac upgrade I did over the holidays. I was blown away by how cool it is... I really want to use it for this hub!
  grrr
  
  what is your project tonight?
  reply report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Formulation in progress. I go back and forth between the commercial and what I REALLY want to write about. I hate how I need $$$. It's a commercial night, but I might ditch it and go for the creative.
  reply report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Never heard of iWork. Darn those over-sized planets! Sorry you're stuck.
  reply report
69
wyanjenposted 14 years ago

Pluto is just a tiny little speck...

Not what I am trying to do
reply report
1. 0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Looks pretty darn good, though. A heck of a lot better than the stick figure type crap I would come up with.
  reply report
2. 68
  Faybe Bayposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Graph looks great, if Pluto being a speck bothers you back it up with the fact that now it's not a planet anymore which threw out everything my son learned in school the first six years.
  reply report
77
skyfireposted 14 years ago
Ah cosmology in the morning, phew.
reply report
1. 0
  hamstersmessiahposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  i love the smell of napalm on my pancakes, er, sorry, maple syrup.
  reply report
0
hamstersmessiahposted 14 years ago
In answer to the question, after much thought, it only embarrasses me that I can't make a decent living at it.
reply report
60
Sara Tonynposted 14 years ago
Every time I think of an idea for a hub it loses its appeal or practicality in 30 seconds.
reply report
1. 69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I could make a chart showing that statistic, if you like
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Please do! And label it "Sara Tonyn's Attention Span."
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Really?
  
  Okey dokey, be right back
  
  reply report
2. 77
  skyfireposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  That's why i'm stuck on 10 hubs.
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I have a boatload of unpublished hubs. Each one sounded like a great idea until I looked at it the next day.
  reply report
  77
  skyfireposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I want to write about free-will and some other religious/social topics, but scrapped the idea after looking at the condition of forums. I'm going to write some commercial ones now to get things going.
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Maybe you can combine the two. Like... A commercial hubs about world religions.
  reply report
  77
  skyfireposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  that's good idea..have to look up for keywords for that.
  reply report
  68
  Faybe Bayposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  skyfire, i checked out your hubs, and no wonder you are blocked. You are tech and socio/psych/religious. You work so hard. I suggested a movie you may or may not have.
  reply report
  77
  skyfireposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Thanks for the comment Faybe, i'll check out "BLEEP Do We Know".
  reply report
  68
  Faybe Bayposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Thanks,I am sure I ran into you for a reason, it may keep you writing infinitely, it is random number generated and sooo cool
  reply report
0
wordscribe41posted 14 years ago
Skyfire, I enjoyed our japanese exchange on the other thread. Sara, I so know what you mean about losing interest in a hub idea. I've been through 3 already. Now I'm stuck on: Those With Mental Illness ROCK!
reply report
1. 60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I like it. Maybe you could conduct interviews with a few ...er...examples.
  reply report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  So, Sara. Question #1) As a person suffering from clinical depression, what exactly DOES the eye in your avatar represent? Is it the window to your soul? Were you depressed when you chose the avatar?
  
  I'm suddenly being weird. Sorry.
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  No, I just had the camera backwards.
  
  I can't do anything right... *sigh*
  reply report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  and a few more.
  reply report
2. 77
  skyfireposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I enjoyed as well,wordscribe41.
  reply report
80
figmentposted 14 years ago
Thanks to all your posts to my forum. It makes me feel proud to admit that I have been diagnosed with not only Borderline Personality Disorder, but also Bipolar, Major Depressive Disorder, and ADHD. I think I'll write a Hub about all us "crazy" Hubbers. Hope I didn't offend anybody by using word crazy.
reply report
1. 60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  This is the best thread I've seen/read/posted to since I joined HubPages. Thank you!
  reply report
  80
  figmentposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  WOW!! No thank you!!
  reply report
2. 0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  No offense at all. Your thread has been a great source of healing for a lot of us, figment. It's where all the "cool hubbers" are IMHO. Thanks for starting it.
  reply report
  80
  figmentposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Your so welcome!! It was my first forum to post.
  reply report
  68
  Faybe Bayposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Thank you figment if you come back and see this. I have enjoyed the forum.
  reply report
3. 68
  Faybe Bayposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  figment, I have been looking for you. I am working on a hub, but wish there was a way to show you first, is that possible here?
  reply report
  68
  Faybe Bayposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Ah my anxiety rears it's ugly head, I am off topic, I know. The hub is on topic, but I do not want to offend anyone, not with this one it is too important to me.
  reply report
69
wyanjenposted 14 years ago
Sorry Sara, I had to do a little bit of internet stalking for your chart.

Well, I really only had to read your profile...
reply report
1. 69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  That's beautiful!
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Well, Detroit / Cleveland people are Frenemies.
  
  As in, I root for the Indians - except when they are playing against my Tigers. Then, you are going DOWN baby...
  
  I will miss the Evil Eric Wedge.
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Cool. That's fair. I'll do the reverse... though I suspect the Tribe may be going down no matter what...
  
  Even with Eric the Wedge gone...
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I'm not holding my breath for the Tigers... they gutted the roster
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Our roster now consists of guys who don't even shave yet. They have to bring notes from their mothers in order to play.
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  We're going to have a few Toledo MudHens on the roster this year. Aww, they're so cute when they're young
  reply report
  68
  drej2522posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  awesome jen..awesome!
  reply report
  69
  wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Thank you (bows humbly)
  
  Now, why is it again that I don't get my work done...
  hmm...
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Tell people you wrote an invisible hub.
  reply report
  0
  hamstersmessiahposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  heh i managed to write a review tonight... something i never do... and i have a trip i'm leaving on in less than 2 days... what am i doing here?
  reply report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I ask myself that question constantly. Congrats on writing the review today. Oh look: a robin!
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Where are ya trippin' to?
  reply report
  0
  wordscribe41posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  That is the BEST damn thing I've seen in ages. Good lord, I love it! I'm having WAY too much fun here. Now off to write... Oh look: a pretty butterfly!
  reply report
  60
  Sara Tonynposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  reply report

Post a Reply

jump to first post

12 3 4 … 6 Next

Necessary
HubPages Device ID	This is used to identify particular browsers or devices when the access the service, and is used for security reasons.
Login	This is necessary to sign in to the HubPages Service.
Google Recaptcha	This is used to prevent bots and spam. (Privacy Policy)
Akismet	This is used to detect comment spam. (Privacy Policy)
HubPages Google Analytics	This is used to provide data on traffic to our website, all personally identifyable data is anonymized. (Privacy Policy)
HubPages Traffic Pixel	This is used to collect data on traffic to articles and other pages on our site. Unless you are signed in to a HubPages account, all personally identifiable information is anonymized.
Amazon Web Services	This is a cloud services platform that we used to host our service. (Privacy Policy)
Cloudflare	This is a cloud CDN service that we use to efficiently deliver files required for our service to operate such as javascript, cascading style sheets, images, and videos. (Privacy Policy)
Google Hosted Libraries	Javascript software libraries such as jQuery are loaded at endpoints on the googleapis.com or gstatic.com domains, for performance and efficiency reasons. (Privacy Policy)

Features
Google Custom Search	This is feature allows you to search the site. (Privacy Policy)
Google Maps	Some articles have Google Maps embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
Google Charts	This is used to display charts and graphs on articles and the author center. (Privacy Policy)
Google AdSense Host API	This service allows you to sign up for or associate a Google AdSense account with HubPages, so that you can earn money from ads on your articles. No data is shared unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
Google YouTube	Some articles have YouTube videos embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
Vimeo	Some articles have Vimeo videos embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
Paypal	This is used for a registered author who enrolls in the HubPages Earnings program and requests to be paid via PayPal. No data is shared with Paypal unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
Facebook Login	You can use this to streamline signing up for, or signing in to your Hubpages account. No data is shared with Facebook unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
Maven	This supports the Maven widget and search functionality. (Privacy Policy)

Marketing
Google AdSense	This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Google DoubleClick	Google provides ad serving technology and runs an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Index Exchange	This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Sovrn	This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Facebook Ads	This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Amazon Unified Ad Marketplace	This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
AppNexus	This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Openx	This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Rubicon Project	This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
TripleLift	This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Say Media	We partner with Say Media to deliver ad campaigns on our sites. (Privacy Policy)
Remarketing Pixels	We may use remarketing pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to advertise the HubPages Service to people that have visited our sites.
Conversion Tracking Pixels	We may use conversion tracking pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to identify when an advertisement has successfully resulted in the desired action, such as signing up for the HubPages Service or publishing an article on the HubPages Service.

Statistics
Author Google Analytics	This is used to provide traffic data and reports to the authors of articles on the HubPages Service. (Privacy Policy)
Comscore	ComScore is a media measurement and analytics company providing marketing data and analytics to enterprises, media and advertising agencies, and publishers. Non-consent will result in ComScore only processing obfuscated personal data. (Privacy Policy)
Amazon Tracking Pixel	Some articles display amazon products as part of the Amazon Affiliate program, this pixel provides traffic statistics for those products (Privacy Policy)
Clicksco	This is a data management platform studying reader behavior (Privacy Policy)

Does it embarrass you to suffer from a mental illness?

Arts and Design

Autos

Books, Literature, and Writing

Business and Employment

Education and Science

Entertainment and Media

Family and Parenting

Fashion and Beauty

Food and Cooking

Games, Toys, and Hobbies

Gender and Relationships

Health

Holidays and Celebrations

Home and Garden

HubPages Tutorials and Community

Personal Finance

Pets and Animals

Politics and Social Issues

Religion and Philosophy

Sports and Recreation

Technology

Travel and Places

About Us

This website uses cookies

Does it embarrass you to suffer from a mental illness?

Related Discussions

This website uses cookies