Hello @mrkotter @Kurra @Former-Member @utopia @Shazab
This is a brilliant thread. my adrenaline is rushing. I am feeling pumped as my son used to say.
I have read every single post and have to say have related to every single one.
For myself, I grew up in a family who were horrified at the mention of the phrase mental anything, depression well everyone feels sad at times.
Work in customer relations, so many racist, bigoted, self important bores.
Have had symptoms of major depression and anxiety for ages now at varying levels.
I too believe the symptoms have become a part of who I am.
I also am a very private person. I find talking to the average person on most occasions quite boring. I always start the conversation asking about the other person (90% of people love the opportunity) only to find that they are not really interested in my news.
It really does depend on the situation, the group you are with, common interests that sort of thing.
I am enraged about stigma re any mental illness or disorder. I will present my opinion assertively if the subject comes up.
Do I bring the subject up myself? no because I dont believe that part of me needs to be known. I am discovering that part of myself, digging deep, learning and that is a special part of me. That is a tender, raw, emotional, misunderstood, hidden, disguised part of my being. I am learning about that part of myself and how I feel about all of the new bits and pieces. For me they are mine. I dont need to share them for them to be further tarnished, mocked. They may only appear minimal in the full scale of things to others but they have been major to me. So noone can feel my emotions, know my exact thoughts, they are unique to me and I can choose what i do with them. perhaps use them creatively. i do use them to empathise, support, love, care. I think that I already give enough.
I have symptoms of the illnesses. I am not the illness. Society labels people as being the illness.
How can we change stigma successfully when the whole world is losing the act of communication. The focus has switched to self image - social media, selfies, twitter, etc etc. most people looking at their electronic devices.
I do not judge, criticise or question anyone else wanting to be open about their symptoms of illness. It is a very individual decision to be carefully thought out.
i am thrilled that you have brought this subject to our attention Mr Kotter. A very prevalent subject past, present and future.
cheers all
