Would you help a person with a mental illness or would you leave them?

Question

I was diagnosed with a mental illness about 18 month's ago and some of my friends do not want to know me since I got diagnosed.
There is still a stigma against mental illness and it makes me mad.
It is an illness like anything else. People with mental illness do not like having this , it is very frustration for them.

Answer 1

I love you! Big hugs and kisses! To hell with them. They will miss your crazy ass sooner or later. And when they come back, turn your nose up!

Answer 2

Some people cannot handle the pressure of dealing with any illness physical or mental. And you are right there is still a stigma about mental illness. Those people who don;t want to be around you it is there loss. I've been there and you are better off with out those people who cannot support you. Good luck

Answer 3

I think that what they did is wrong. You are still you, know matter if you have a mental illness or not. Besides, you didn't suddenly change when the doctor diagnoised you! I am guessing that the friends who left you feel uncomfortable around you. I hoping that as time passes, they will see that you are still Kimmy (if thats your name) and may start feeling more comfortable and being nice. and if not At least you know know who your TRUE friends are and who you can rely on. As you said, you can't help a mental illness! If someone got cancer, would some of his friends leave him/her? Its sad that things like this happens, but it does. Just live your life, they may soon regret their decision.

Answer 4

I would help anyone. regardless. People think that mental illness is a cause of violence, crime and so on. Who is mentally ill and who is just ignorant of the facts. Some people don't like to be around those suffering from cancer. some still think it's contagious. unless you are self actualized, then you are to some degree, mentally ill. it's a disease that can be teated, just like any other. we should treat each other as equal, that's God in his/her true form. Read some Dr. Wayne W Dyer. he has exellent perspective on this subject. God bless you for your honesty...alot of so called "sane" people do not have your gift of sharing and therefore giving to others. ps. I have bi-polar disorder and am getting along even though people treat me differently sometimes. That's more of a problem for them than me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. Jeff

Answer 5

Hi,
It's called uneducated. People are going to think what they want to, you have no control over that. Just know that you are getting help with your problem, most people won't even do that. So, I would say you are ahead in the game of helping yourself. It's years of stigma layered one another and if people would read instead of running their mouths that might learn something. You are doing great! Pat yourself on the back for gaining control of your life.

Answer 6

I know what you mean. Just when you need the support they bail out. I would give you extra support and stay informed of your illness and your progress. If you had cancer they would smother you with attention. But if your brain is sick, the stigma keeps them away. How totally unfair. Good luck to you! Your friends are out here cheering for you!!!

Answer 7

i think anybody who lives in Perth has a mental illness just a joke again if they were a friend i would support them

Answer 8

I guess for me it would depend on the illness.

Any illness can be hard on the person directly affected AND the people indirectly affected.

I guess you'll soon realize who your true friends are.

Answer 9

I'd probably help.

hell, I spent eight years fighting the school and raising a grandchild who is bipolar II.

Answer 10

Providing they hadn't changed in any obvious way, I'd treat them with the same lack of respect I always treat people with! LOL