it is such a common notion that mentally ill people choose to be ill.......i've had anxiety and depression most of my life.....why would i choose to live such a difficult life???.....yet that is what is constantly suggested....
"get over it"
"move on"
"knock it off"
"think positive"
"your life is a lot better than many other people"
"maybe if you just got some exercize"
"quit feeling sorry for yourself"
"just do it"
"snap out of it"
"everybody gets stressed out"
"suicidal people are selfish"
"every body gets the blues"
"life isn't that hard"
......as if a person can just "will away" an illness....sure, you can lift yourself out of an ordinary funk-but that's different than real depression.....no-one thinks you can just will-away cancer...why do they think that mental illness is not a real disease and rather a weakness?????
2006-11-23 09:54:14 · 11 answers · asked by SNAP! 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
its because in society people assume that a mental illness is something that affects us emotionally which is not the case, its an actual chemical imbalance in your brain because the neurons are not flowing right. People need to be educated more on this and maybe the stigma will stop eh
2006-11-23 10:42:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Many people don't want to admit that they also have depression and aren't dealing with it as well as they could be. There has always been a stigma against people with mental illness. I am not sure why exactly.
Many people in my family have depression and anxiety so I am very familiar with it. I do know that sometimes people get "tired" of hearing about how badly someone else is feeling.
If you have that many people around you that are saying things to you you should analyze why they are doing it. Are you talking about it to much, but not seeking help? Are they part of the reason why you are depressed? If a parent feels like it might be partly their fault that you are depressed they may feel guilty and not want to talk to you about it. Truly everyone does get the blues, some don't talk about it and everyone deals with it differently.
I hope you are getting counseling and are on medication to help the problem. Some of the things that you quoted in your question sound like helpful suggestions if taken in the right context.
Good luck!
2006-11-23 10:07:50 · answer #2 · answered by Becky R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one asked to be the way they are especially mentally ill. Some people just dont know how to not be depressed. It isn't easy. I was severely depressed for a year and a half. In fact I was almost admitted with a straight jacket. I know it sounds bad. Everyone comes out only if they want to if they can some don't. I was in seeing a counselor for a year and I had 2 options, get rid on what was making that way or I would stay that way and lose everything. I believe in god and one morning I woke up and was done being depressed and angry. Hang in there. I know it isn't easy and just don't stop trying and don't give up.
2006-11-23 10:05:38 · answer #3 · answered by tstewart 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to hear the same crap. My first anxiety attack that I can remember was about the age of 5. I didnt realize it until years later, but it was a result of agoraphobia. How in the heck can a 5 year old, choose to have anxiety attacks. I suffered from severe depression until I was 29 when I finally sought help. I heard alot of the same things you said. I do not talk to anyone about the problems I have endured. For one thing it is nobodys business and I dont have to listen to the ignorant remarks. Alot of people say those types of things because they are ignorant to mental illness and its causes and have never endured any type of mental illness. I don't concern myself with what other people think anyways. Let them think what they want, they are going to think it anyways.
2006-11-23 10:10:00 · answer #4 · answered by tmills883 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pretty much anyone that thinks that mental illness is a choice obviously hasn't dealt with it personally, or had to deal with a family member having a problem. So, they're just ignorant to the situation. Just inform them. Hell, if it happens alot start carrying around those little pamphlets from the doctors office so you can educate people on what it means to have a mental illness and how it is a medical condition and NOT a choice.
2006-11-23 09:58:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I say if you do not have the symptom, then don't linger upon it, but if you do have any symptoms then I would go get help right away. Now I realize from my end is that you asking why people would "want to be Ill?" no, no, it is simply on why do they deny the illness? I have a brother that has Chronic schizophrenia and from what I could tell it is all about the denial. Hope this helps.
2006-11-23 10:05:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is very little education still in mental illness, most people are simply ignorant rather than bad ...
Governments need to start funding mental illness like they do any other crippling disease
2006-11-23 10:03:19 · answer #7 · answered by timginjapan 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it is not chosen but what happens in your life that brings on the mental illness. if someone had their way,they would want to not be suffering in an unstable way. however,since you felt that way most of your life,you should see what is going on with your depression and anxiety because you don't want to go the rest of your life not enjoying the good things in life.
2006-11-23 15:15:01 · answer #8 · answered by christina p 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know mental illness is real and no one would choose to be mentally ill. See your M.D. He/she will see that you get help..Your County hospital or health dept will see you on a sliding scale if you don't have insurance or money is tight..There is help, you do not deserve to feel this way..you are worth the help..get it..
2006-11-23 10:04:00 · answer #9 · answered by jst4pat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you. It's just something that people aren't very well educated about. Hopefully you and I can do something about that.
2006-11-23 09:57:00 · answer #10 · answered by drshorty 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋