Invisible disability.

[MinhHo123]

Sadly, I used to think that people who had panic attacks or depression were mentally weak or overly dramatic. That they needed to snap out of it and move along. After suffering for three years of panic attacks—> panic disorder—> depression in silence, I now realize that this disability is the most heinous. Most people can’t fathom or relate to a panic attack, disreality, or depersonalization and think that it’s all in our head. Trying to convey this sudden feeling of Gloom and Doom is not easy to express. Sometimes I wish my leg was broken instead so I can just point to it to express my pain. I know this can’t kill me, but the intense fear of an episode is debilitating and leaves many of us feeling misunderstood and with a lesser quality of life. Then there’s the stigma of a mental illness which is another story unto itself. Sleepless in Atlanta.

[Aliftimago]

It's very hard to deal with something nobody else is able to see visibly.....I have heard all the easier said then done lines. They can't understand the how it happens but they can see the shakes....if wasn't for that I don't think anyone would believe me. And keep telling me it's just in my head and when my heart bursts open they would finally believe.

[MyMeanMind]

You said it, MinhHo (and Aliftimago)! I am hopeful that one day science will be able to point to a detailed MRI of the brain and say, "there's anxiety and there's depression . . . you can see it right there in the thickened synapses or jumbled nerves." In the meantime, we just need to help break the stigma (easier said than done) and embody compassion, I guess. Hang in there! ❤️

[DragonTears]

Very well said! It is a terrible condition to have and it is made worse by the taboo and misunderstanding around it. Also, it doesn't help that it is completely invisible, like you say, a broken leg would be easier. I often use that analogy when talking to someone who has no concept of mental un-health. All we can do is support each other and talk about it openly if we can and have the energy. The conversation around mental health has a lot of maturing to do and society need a lot more information. I am "glad" that you have had a change of mind about depression/anxiety/panic disorder and have accepted that it is a real thing and cannot just be snapped out of. I think, for us here and everywhere, those are the most frustrating people as they dismiss our suffering as if we are making it up, being dramatic or simply lazy. I am sorry though that you are a sufferer too. But I think it was one of those talk-show hosts that said that the first step to getting better is to accept that you have a problem in the first place, so I suppose in a way, you are better placed now to cope than you were as a denier That's got to be worth something. I hope today is a good day, take care

[tashalyn]

Very well described. I think the stigma is so strong that at times even I look at myself and go like snap out of it you weak sh**, what you just said about the leg is so true, last night I was telling my husband I am willing to have a limb amputated if it will take away this illness. DR/DP makes me feel like am not even living, am just surviving life. It’s hard but we have to push through we really have to

[Aliftimago]

Oh my Tashalyn don't ever tell your self that again no matter how much you want to don't do it.....I did that for years and seems only to have set myself back. Positive affirmation helps and negative ones can literally destroy us. Hand in there and stay positive.