Well I am a little bit horrified by some of this. As I believe I should be. I have not had to deal with mental illness, and I have no illusions that I have even the slightest clue what it would be like. Or how it would feel. Or how I would cope. Anymore than any other person knows how it is to be me -- the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is unfortunate that we humans are always trying to put each other in clearly defined boxes so that we can categorize and compare and, yes, judge.
I don't believe I'm guilty of using bi-polar as a buzzword of sorts, but I am guilty of using depression that way. I will be more careful in the future. And I second Elise's questions. I know I cannot fully understand how mental illness feels and therefore cannot truly empathize. I have noticed that often when people try to help or support those going through a major life experience of event -- mental illness, loss of a loved one, etc. -- they unintentionally say or do the wrong thing, the thing that hurts instead of helps (as your post alludes to). Sometimes I don't say or do anything for fear that it will be wrong. So how can I more completely and helpfully support the friend or family member who carries the mental illness title, along with her many others?
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Re: mental monday: a little change
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