If you do, in what ways?
If not, I'd be interested to know the way you perceive your illness.
2007-06-21 11:33:21 · 11 answers · asked by Habt our quell 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
No, I don't feel guilty for having a mental illness. It was liberating to find out that there was a reason for my emotional turmoil, and gave me the courage to seek treatment. No one should feel guilty, you did not do anything to cause your illness. These days people are more open and accepting of individuals with a mental illness, which, in turn, makes seeking treatment easier.
2007-06-21 12:06:02 · answer #1 · answered by tucsonmtnhome 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no. Yes in the sense that I hurt my family before I got help. My moods were out of control, I was cutting myself, etc, and it just worried them and it made them sad. I hate that part of my mental illness.
What I don't feel guilty for is that, after all, it's an illness. Most people wouldn't feel guilty for having asthma or diabetes, or some other physical disease. Why feel guilty for having a mental illness? Mental illness is just as much out of a person's control as a physical one. Another reason I don't feel guilty is because I feel like it's made me more of an empathetic, sensitive person, because I know what it's like to feel bad emotionally. Finally, it's opened up new opportunities for me, which I know sounds strange. When I first started receiving help, I studied a lot on my own about mental illness and it gave me a whole new career path. Right now I'm working as a therapist assistant on an adolescent psych unit, but I'm studying for my Master's degree in social work right now, so I can become a therapist some day and help other people like I was helped. If I didn't have a mental illness, I wouldn't be where I'm at right now. Sure it sucks to have and deal with, but I've learned to live with it and make the best out of it.
2007-06-21 19:40:49 · answer #2 · answered by Angelia 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Fortunately for me, I apparently do not have a mental illness. However, I know people that do that are quite close to me. It is my conclusion that "mental illness" is a misnomer, because ALL mental illness is based on improper brain functioning, which means that because of something going wrong in the brain the BEHAVIOR is affected. I think some people might feel guilty about having a mental illness, but I don't think anybody should feel guilty about something that may be beyond their control without outside intervention, such as a prescription medication or behavior therapy.
2007-06-21 18:44:20 · answer #3 · answered by Paul Hxyz 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel guilty for everything I have put my loved ones through and all that I will put them through. I aslo feel guilty for the harm I've caused myself. I do not however feel guilty because I have a mental illness, because that's what it is an illness just like diabetes, muscular dystrophy or any illness. I just need to learn new ways of thinking and dealing with things. Also it helps to correct the chemical imbalance in my brain (just like a diabetic needs insulin). There is nothing to feel guilty about having the illness.
2007-06-21 19:32:15 · answer #4 · answered by soundwaves 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not. first, it is not like I went out and bought me some bipolar and now I'll have it for life! Down with the man! Second, it is not like I did something and now I am branded for life. I didn't do anything to provoke this and it is not a slap in society's face so who would I feel guilty towards? I do what I can to keep it away from people. I take my meds, I try to keep my mood swings in check. What more am I supposed to do and who is going to be pissed at me for it? Should someone with CP or Downs or MS or anything else feel guilty that they have "burdened" "normal" people with their unfortunate and not self induced disorders? Now had I actually done this to myself I might feel guilty because of the impact acute episodes have on others but F you, I can't help it and you can go away if it is too much for you.
There. I said my piece.
2007-06-21 19:48:09 · answer #5 · answered by BP_Puff&Stuff 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't feel guilty for being bipolar. It's not my fault and there's nothing I can do about it but keep up with my meds and get into therapy. I occasionally feel guilty for how I act toward the people I love when I'm unstable. They've learned I don't mean what I say, and I do apologize when I regain my senses. I do the best I can with what I've got and I don't feel guilty for being sick.
2007-06-22 03:54:52 · answer #6 · answered by fiVe 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't necessarily feel guilty for having a whole crapload of mental health illnesses. But I do have immense guilt for the family and people around me whom its affected.
2007-06-21 18:39:00 · answer #7 · answered by Dee 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes I feel guilty because my mental illnesses keep me from leaving my house and working so I feel guilty for putting alot of pressure on my boyfriend being he is the only one working right now
2007-06-21 18:40:10 · answer #8 · answered by jenn 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In the past when I thought of the stress and worry my parents endured I felt bad. But regrets get you nowhere in life. Now I look at it as a challenge and a obstacle to overcome. My success and health is a great tribute to my strength. And living well is the best way I can pay my parents back for helping me.
2007-06-22 01:08:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
no-one should feel guilt when they have a mental illness which is afterall only a sickness of the brain.
Would anyone feel guilty when they have a cold or the flu????
2007-06-22 08:46:38 · answer #10 · answered by i love my garden 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋