Stigma

[Needtovent]

I read an article today about a celebrity doing the good deed of calling attention to anxiety and depression in effort to eliminate the stigma. What does this really mean? I had kind of a tough day today emotionally, yet a lot of people were wanting to reach me for one reason or another. Here I am, body tense, knots in stomach, and the overall sense that something is going to fall apart. I don’t feel up to socializing. Does this ‘no stigma’ mean it’s OK to say to them “I can’t right now, anxiety has the better of me” in the same way I might say “I have a cold”?

I’m probably sounding cynical, but now I feel lousy for ignoring everyone. However there is just no way I can deal right now.

[YoungSimba]

I understand perfectly. I myself just had a thought similar to that with people now being “advocates” for mental health and eliminating the stigma. But the stigma is still alive because like you said telling ppl that you can’t deal with much today because of anxiety or depression isn’t “normal”. But don’t feel bad for ignoring ppl to help yourself, it’s a double edged sword I know but, take the time and hopefully ppl will get it.

[foxglove_pnw]

I have been very open with people in general about my anxiety and panic attacks ! I feel it is ok to tell people you can’t do something because of it ! I feel the more I open up the more people open up to me about their struggles !

I have told people at my church , my volunteer jobs , friends and even at the gym .

At the gym , People has asked me before why I left in the middle of class and I told them , I have a panic attack when my heart rate goes up making working out very challenging !

Of course not everyone will understand or tell me about their problems but I do think it is ok to tell people just like you would say

“ I have a cold “ 😉

[Needtovent in reply to foxglove_pnw]

I guess it's the only way to help the cause of reducing stigma. I also believe that I still view it is as stigmatized, which is why I'm not too comfortable sharing.

[pink318]

Hi- I understand that it's not easy to trust people because not everyone will understand what we are going through.

It was not easy for me to share how I feel but once I learned to trust someone, it felt good knowing I was not alone and someone is praying for me. That’s ok to say no if you are not yet comfortable sharing your thoughts with them. I pray that you will feel better soon and things will work out for you. God bless.