Ok, I am just wondering what you all think. I have been wondering lately how american culture and humans as a whole percieve certain topics. Like, I wonder about how americans see depressed people (just on an average) are they supportive, think they are just whining, think they are weak, fell sympathetic, what exactly? Just wondering because I am depressed so I tend to notice peoples opinions on such matters, but I live in a fairly conservative area with lots of christains and middle class people and therefore any opinions i pick up here may not be very accurate. Also for subjects such as self-harm (cutting & stuff) how does america feel about it? I know many people who are sympathetic or empathetic but i also know people who think they are just wanting attention or being work or all that stuff. So, if you would be willing to share your opinion and how you think america looks on these sort of topics i would really appreciate it. For the later please tell me how it is, not how you wish.
2006-09-12 19:40:37 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
I suffer from depression and anxiety myself, and my husband had bipolar disorder.
I find that overall, when we tell someone about our illnesses, they have a family member or friend that has dealt with some sort of mental illness.
They may not understand, but most people accept that it is an illness, and will not judge you.
2006-09-12 19:43:56 · answer #1 · answered by Tina K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I want to compliment you on being one of the most articulate writers on the Internet! Very impressive.
I believe understanding and caring people are all over the place. People are depressed for a reason, we're not born like that. Obviously something tragic has happened that has affected a person enough to make them continually "sad" so to speak, and that's really hard to work through! It can grey place. But the thing is...it doesn't matter what American culture thinks about depression, and it doesn't matter what anybody thinks about it but you. If they haven't felt it, they have no idea what it's really about, or where it is, or how to get back from there. Do you know what I'm saying??? You could waste a lifetime worrying about how people see you, but when you start feeling better about yourself, what they think won't matter as much as what you think. You're not wearing a sign you know...I have suffered from depression for almost thirty years. I still have grey days. But I couldn't tell you how others view people with depression. I don't ask. I hope this made some sense :)
2006-09-12 20:26:37 · answer #2 · answered by daisymae 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't speak for America, but I can tell you that I'm supportive when it comes to depression. I suffered from it for 2 years and it's a hard bastard to get rid of, but I got rid of it thanks to the internet and getting used to stuff.
Now when it comes to self harm, I can see where the people are coming from. Me, I'm just freaked out by an infection and I never was angry enough to do such a thing (too apathetic at times). I can identify with them which makes it much easier to understand it. Of course, I don't tell them to keep cutting themselves but I, at times, tell them to seek medical attention and pick up a good hobby that does not involve harm to oneself and others.
I think America wants to be sympathetic and empathetic about it because apathy is frowned upon by society.
2006-09-12 22:30:18 · answer #3 · answered by misery 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is...you shouldn't care one iota what "Americans" think about jack.
Are you a politician and do you take a pole on how you should think and behave once a week?
You ought to have a backbone and a moral compass. If you don't, go and get one of each.
It is not the opinion of the masses that counts...it is your opinion that counts. Is the act you are doing the way you would want to be treated. Time to mature...get busy.
2006-09-12 19:48:29 · answer #4 · answered by An Unhappy Yahoo User 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
America is generally very individualistic. All one's successes and failures are attributable to one's own credit or fault. Therefore, if you are depressed, then something is wrong with you. If you do not succeed, it's because you didn't try hard enough.
It sucks, but that's the attitude that drives this country.
2006-09-12 19:50:27 · answer #5 · answered by ralph w 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Attitudes are slowly changing in favor of people needing help, but there is still a stigma attached to mental disorders, unfortunately. Willpower will not fix chemical imbalances.
2006-09-12 20:02:25 · answer #6 · answered by nursesr4evr 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋