I asked this question before and didn't get enough answers to help form an opinion.....?

Question

so lets try it again. Some of my friends don't seem to be as friendly. At a party a couple of weeks ago the subject of having a mental problem came up. Since I suffer from a mental problem and most people know it, I made a joke about having a time-share at the local mental hospital. Now friends seem to be a litttle standoffish. I'm use to dealing with people, at first, when they learn about my mental problem they ask a lot of questions. But I'm surprized at the reaction I've received because of my joke. Was my joke out of place, as soon as I said it the mood seem to change. Did I do something wrong with making a joke of it? I know that one of the predjuices of mental problems is people think, at first that they can catch it. Is it also something you can't joke about?

So many good answers it's hard to pick just one.

Answer 1

not at all, i think it's funny. first, if your friends know who you are and what condition you're in, then there wouldn't be a problem. either that, you have some up-tight friends. it's good to make fun of yourself, it'll break the tension. if your friends don't get it, then that's their problem.

Answer 2

Mental illness is nothing to joke about, and is a very personal thing.If your friends liked you after they found out that you have a mental illness then they should be more supportive and not make you feel out of place but you sorta helped them out with the joke.There are a lot of other mental illnesses that people have they are'nt even able to type this question.

Answer 3

You should be able to joke about it. You did nothing wrong, and if they're acting different because of it, they're being immature. You don't say what the problem is, but I'm assuming that you're doing pretty well with it. My mom's had problems, and it's definitely changed my perception of mental health problems as I've gotten older. Good luck to you.

Answer 4

I think that if you are okay with it & you've accepted it, then there shouldn't be a problem. Some people get nervous or "standoffish" b/c they don't fully understand mental problems, maybe they just don't fully understand yours & that scares them-its outside of their comfort zone, therefore they need time to figure out how to deal with it. Give it some time, they'll come around & if they don't then you dont need those kind of people in your life.

Answer 5

That joke was not out of line. Its seems as that even if your friends knew about problem they were shocked. They probley didn't know that you were that comfortable with your problem to make a joke about it. They might aslo be afraid to say anything about it so they don't hurt your feelings. I suggest just telling them that your fine with it and that your close enough (I guessing) to make jokes like that. Whatever the outcome is good luck!

Answer 6

I think most people are just too honest when a person is too frank or honest about something as serious as this. Some can't handle the fact that you are comfortable enough with your illness to acknowledge it in public and even make a joke about it.

I think it's really great that you are so comfortable with yourself! Just talk to your friends and see what is bugging them. If they are really friends, the problem will reveal itself and go away.

Best of luck.

Answer 7

I think it cool that you know you have a problem are open about it and can joke about it..
some people are just not sure how to take it when you joke about something they know you have.
whatever you do dont let their reaction get to you.
They'll either come around or they'll just be weird about it and if they get weird about you making a joke of it then they are probably not the sort of people you need around you anyway..

Answer 8

Ok, sometimes you have to laugh at life once in a while. You didnt do anything wrong. Everyone has some type of mental problems. Just everyone deals with things differantly. Honestly, if these are really your firends, talk to them and find out if it made them uncomfortable. Then you can have them understand where you are coming from and you can understand where they are at.

Answer 9

If you feel fine with it than make joke. Don't care of people that have prejudice.
As far as i can see they are the one to have "problem" and not you since your approach is more than positive.

Making joke on something that many (limited people) may find shameful is wonderful.

Answer 10

now not actual. now not wisdom how lots can get replaced at what value is not any excuse to now not initiate. Is that the neo-logical answer? Do now not something till at last you be conscious of how lots must be carried out inspite of in case you be conscious of that the undertaking exists? it fairly is like waiting to pass into WW 2 till at last you be conscious of how lots your intervention will deter the unfold of Nazi Germany. Who cares? Die attempting if on no account... edit: rather lots each and each answer being debated is bodily efficient for various reasons than basically international warming so why now not initiate? edit: How can utilising organic and organic/renewable skill have a damaging carry on the subject of the international. Does this sound rational? what's going to photograph voltaic panels, windmills, and hydro-generators do to injury the planet greater perfect than pollution does?

Answer 11

You did nothing out of line. My husband has a mental problem
a lot of people don't know what to say around us. Like you said
people think they can catch it. Needs to be talked about so people understand it more. If you can't joke about yourself. then we are in trouble. Hold your head up. You did nothing wrong.