When Someoe You Love Has A Mental Illness
By Rozie37
@Rozie37 (15499)
Turkmenistan
July 29, 2008 1:28am CST
Because I have a mental illness and friends with mental illnesses, I know how it feels from both sides. More than anything a person with this illness wants to be loved, respected and feel like they can be heard. We want to be treated as normal as possible. At the same time, if the person does not make allowances for the illness, they will end up doing more harm than good. In other words, if you expect a person with a mental disorder to act like everyone else, you will be disappointed at the least and their self-esteem will take a serious hit.
This is why I feel that it is a good idea for eveyone to read this rticle. I believe that everyone in this world has been or will be touched by this illness at some point in their lives and it is important to know how to cope with it effectively. Let me know what you think after reading it.
http://www.everydayhealth.com/publicsite/index.aspx?puid=0f58721f-46b5-4053-8fb8-3ed4cbd6f98e&p=14&xid=nl_EverydayHealthEmotionalHealth_20080728
3 people like this
2 responses
@GardenGerty (157709)
• United States
29 Jul 08
I have several friends with mental illness, and have had family members as well. We have to remember that we all have differences, some just get labels on them. One of my friends is one of the greatest achievers I know. She has become an educator for the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill. I cannot open the link until I have already posted. I may comment then again. Thanks.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
9 Aug 08
I have a wonderful sweet friend who has a mental illness. It doesn't bother me at all to know that she's affected in that way. I've seen how she lives her life, mostly secluded in her home for she rarely goes anywhere and have taken her under my wing when I can and bring her down to stay with me for a little while which she dearly loves to do. I haven't been able to get her this year thanks to the gas prices but hopefully I'll be able to before the summer ends. We'll have to wait and see. But as for mentally ill people, they don't bother me in the least bit unless they're violent.
@Rozie37 (15499)
• Turkmenistan
9 Aug 08
I find myself going out less and less also. I have to push myself to get out there. The world can be pretty overwhelming for a mental ill person. A lot of times we have been abused or victimized in some way and it is so much easier to stay in surroundings that are familiar to us. I would like to get out more and I am working toward that. I recently turned my cell phone back on so that I can hve it with me as I travel. It is very nice of you to go and pick up your friend and take her places. I do much better when I go out in the company of friends and family.
