Would you treat someone with a mental illness differently than you would someone without?

Answer 1

As a person diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I would say that your answers here so far are kind of "pie-in-the-sky". It would be nice if the mentally disadvantaged were treated with patience, but that's not what usually happens.

Few of those who need kindness and consideration walk about with a "I'm sick" sign on their forehead. When issues and problems come up, people just deal with it, without taking things like mental health into consideration. In the middle of an arguement, who's going to stop and say, by the way, "Are you psychotic today?"

On the other hand, I had a doctor (internal medicine) who treated me like he thought a bipolar person ought to be treated. He treated me like I was stupid. He's not my doctor anymore. I decided he was stupid.

People just want to be treated fairly, no matter what backgound they have--medical or mental.

I don't generally tell people I'm bipolar, because their misinformation and fears work against a normal situation.. . .like a reason for something to go wrong, an excuse to look for problems.

I am glad that your responders think they would be nice and understanding. I hope they will, rather than instantaneously reacting--because that's the norm.

If interested in bipolar, follow the link to my web site, and find the folder labeled "Bipolar." There are facts and feelings in the writings there.

Answer 2

Depends what mental illness. If it was something that severely affected their mental abilities, then yes because they are different and aren't necessarily able to really understand me. As an impatient person, I'd probably lose it a couple of times, but I'd put more effort into it.

If its something like a phobia or insomnia, then no - they're everyday functions are only mildly at the worst affected by it.

Speaking as a person with OCPD (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, not the same as OCD or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessive-compulsive_personality_disorder ), I wouldn't want anyone to treat me any differently.

I'm not insane (well, I am odd, but not because of the OCPD), I'm not incapable and I'm not a weirdo, I'm just a perfectionist, notice details and I'm very rigid in routine.

Answer 3

It depends on the type of illness. Definitely in many cases I probably would. Many people with mental illness need to be treated differently -- at least to some degree.

Answer 4

If anything, I try to be more understanding and considerate than I am to healthy people. I know it's not easy to have mental illnesses and it only makes things worse when people treat the mentally ill badly and show disrespect.

Answer 5

Special needs/ different needs require different treatment. I have a friend with a learning disability and I tell her everything that I would tell anyone else but when it comes to understanding matters of the heart or finances or budgeting or buying a home, she really has a hard time taking it all in. I have to break it down to her and then not be hard on her when she does not listen because 9 times out of 10 it is because she does not fully understand. She has problems reading, writing, and adding. But she is my friend so I deal.

Answer 6

of course, but that's not a negative. it's like if the person has dementia or schizophrenia, you might need to take extra care that the person doesn't get into situations where they can get hurt or become frightened.

as long as the mentally ill person is being treated respectfully and with dignity...

Answer 7

Depends on their age, and the illness. My neighbors son has some disabilities, and he is about the same age as my son, but he is not mentally that age. But we treat him just the same, and he is up to the task. (This is a 4 yo child with a 2yo mind).

Answer 8

My sister has down syndrome. She, to me, is my closest chum. I might desire to manage her like a infant at circumstances because of the fact she has the mentality of one. She has alarmed me some circumstances with some person words or strikes, once or twice yet standard, she's a huge infant. I actual have volunteered and labored with particular ed teenagers because, perpetually, i think. I grew up in it. i'm not greater effective, i do no longer think of. i'm in simple terms friendly. when I get the carry of expertise how they impart (it varies in accordance with ailments) I manage them no diverse than yet another man or woman. We talk approximately our hobbies and do issues mutually like absolutely everyone else. I actual have greater persistence, although. I admit that. The ailments that leave a number of them with this sort of childlike mentality often lead them to throw tantrums, violent ones. i've got been spit on and hit some circumstances. I actual have a terrible temper so as that's lots for me.

Answer 9

Depends on the mental handicap, but I know I treat all of them with the respect and dignity they deserve. I may also be a little nicer to them than I would to anyone else.

Answer 10

My brother is mentally and physically handicap and I don't treat him any different. He is my littler brother and a HUGE pain in the butt and I love him for it. But I know he is 'differen't but I don't treat him different, I help him when he needs extra help, but I give him just as much of a chance as any normal person. And tha tis how it should be. If you give them the chance to be 'normal' and helping them when needed, it is far better than treating them like they are glass and incapabale of doing anything for themselves.