Taboo: Mental illness.
By Bella
@Bella128 (2471)
United States
August 23, 2016 5:26pm CST
If you know me well, you'd know that I'm not one to shy away from "taboo" subjects. Well right now I want to open up a conversation about mental illness.
I don't think it's a mistake that I know many people who make a living online and also suffer from some form of mental illness. It's not just by pure coincidence that my fellow artists and musicians out there also suffer from some form of mental illness.
My mental illness? Depression. Specifically, clinical depression with extreme social anxiety. I was diagnosed at the young age of 13 and I'm almost 30 now. It's been a rough life but I make sure to have things to look forward to.
So now I ask the questions: Do you suffer from mental illness? Do you think it's a taboo subject to talk about? Are you comfortable talking about mental illness? And lastly, what are some good tips/tricks that you have when it comes to just dealing with every day life living with a mental illness?
6 people like this
7 responses
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
24 Aug 16
I'm sorry to hear you've been having a rough time. Hope things will be better. I don't think mental illness should be considered a taboo topic though, it's a real issue that needs to be addressed. My friend had gone through depression and I think good communication with the right people is one of the keys to handle it.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
24 Aug 16
@Bellatricks True. When it happened to my friend, I realized that she wasn't looking for a solution but she just needed to talk about her issues. Most people overlook the listening part and would right away offer this and that advice, which I honestly think isn't the right way to deal with the problem.
@Bella128 (2471)
• United States
24 Aug 16
I think a lot of people are afraid of the unknown. Also not to mention there have been a lot of bad stories in the media revolving around people that have mental illness and it brings a stigma. It's really heart breaking to hear about tragedies and the person who had done something bad was then later revealed that they had a mental illness. I believe that some of these tragedies could have been avoided if only those people were being properly and professionally helped. I think if the subject was more opened and talked about and help was being offered then the world would be a better place.
1 person likes this
@PatZAnthony (14749)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
24 Aug 16
We know several who live with mental illness. It should not be taboo, but many don't want to talk about their family or friends issues. The only thing we noticed a friend do that helps her with her family member is to redirect him. She tries to keep him busy by changing the subject when he get in a mood. It does seem to help.
1 person likes this
@Jackalyn (7558)
• Oxford, England
25 Aug 16
I am sorry you suffer. So do members of my family although I am not suffering myself. I do not think the subject should be taboo as statistics show that 1 in 4 people will suffer from some kind of mental illness during their lifetime.
@CinnamonGrl (7086)
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
23 Aug 16
My depression was situation based, but I can relate. I also suspecgt I have social anxiety, but it's not been diagnosed. My niece is bipolar. I am not uncomfortable talking about these things.
1 person likes this
@Bella128 (2471)
• United States
23 Aug 16
I understand completely. A lot of people aren't comfortable talking about it whereas for me talking about is part of how I cope and deal with it. My depression was not situation based and they say it's a "chemical imbalance" so unfortunately it's something I'm going to be dealing with my whole life.
@Marilynda1225 (91013)
• United States
23 Aug 16
My son in law was just diagnosed with depression and bi polar so this is all new to me. I have no idea how he feels as I don't suffer from depression but I'm learning that it can be debilitating. I'm sorry to hear that you've been dealing with this since you were young.
1 person likes this
@Bella128 (2471)
• United States
23 Aug 16
My ex husband was bipolar and I bought a book when we were dating that was really useful it's called Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder A 4-Step Plan for You and Your Loved Ones to Manage the Illness and Create Lasting Stability (I know that's a mouthful lol!) It's by Julie A. Fast and John Preston and it's also a workbook. I highly recommend checking it out. 
@TheHorse (238275)
• Walnut Creek, California
24 Aug 16
I don't see it as a taboo subject. I think a lot of us have dealt with grieving, some degree of anxiety, dysthymia (mild depression), etc. Knowing that others have gone through the same things provides a sense of connectedness, I think. Many people try to "act" like they have it together, when they're actually hurting inside. Compassion toward oneself and toward others is always a good starting place.
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
24 Aug 16
I do, and it is. It shouldn't be but it is. Just look at the world. It's ok to go to the dr and get antibiotics, but the second you have something mental going on, there is trouble and judgement. Not from everyone, but you know what I mean.
