Hate this

[mayaohh]

I’m tired of being misunderstood and looked at like a crazy person because of my issues. I get dismissed and it’s not until I blow up that people understand my issues are REAL. But the blow up gets looked at like I’m crazy and IM THE PROBLEM. It’s embarrassing

[Agora1]

It is embarrassing and down right hurtful. You can't put yourself in that position

anymore in trying to convince people that the issues are REAL. Unless they have experienced it themselves, there is no belief in what we say is true.

I learned through the years, that I had to say "no" to invites no matter what other people thought. Fighting with them in trying to convince them makes us look even crazier than they already think we are.

Become your own advocate and do what is right for you. Come on site when you need to be understood and cared about. When you get into these "embarrassing" situations, find that

quiet me spot to call your own and breathe and meditate. You are not alone, you are not crazy but you are loved because we care. xx

[FearIsALiar in reply to Agora1]

Well said Agora!

[Www-]

I didn’t even know that this was a problem. I’ve lost touch with so many friends and family because of “invites”. I always try to turn it down, but let them convince me to say I’ll come and then I don’t. And then I feel guilty so I cut them off because I don’t know what to say or how to explain myself without sounding like I’m being totally dramatic and crazy.

Then I get sad because I have nobody.

[Sometimesthereornot]

Listen to your heart. When someone gives you attitude that sounds like they are putting you down... Put them in their place by saying any of the following. "I'm crying inside because you said this. Now I'm in pain inside because you said that." and don't stop repeating exactly what they said and how your hurt. That will anoy the crap out of everyone and they have to hear you and realize they can't get away with it. Try to talk more about how your feeling are very low, low that they have to uplift you. Tell them what they did untill they start seeing your true self.

[Zhangliqun]

What is your diagnosis?

[mayaohh in reply to Zhangliqun]

Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression

[Zhangliqun in reply to mayaohh]

This means you are mentally ill. Yes, I said it. I can say it because I also have GAD with dysthymia and double depression, so I'm in the river of mental illness with you, not someone lecturing you in the hollow tones of someone standing on the safety of the riverbank who can't understand.

It's unfair for those around you to judge you by the standards of those not mentally ill. But at the same time, it is unfair TO those around you to expect them understand something they have not and hopefully never will experience, God willing. Just tell them calmly what your diagnosis is and have them look it up so they can at least understand better how to interact with you. If they say "you're crazy!", tell them, "Exactly, and I just gave you the kind of crazy. Learn about it and then get back to me." If they are unwilling to do that, then you may have to minimize your interaction with them to the extent you can.

In the meantime, don't blow up. Stay calm. It's not easy, but it's easier to do if you understand that it's very difficult for them to understand.

[pam4him]

Sorry for the struggle. I think many of us who deal with mental health issues often hide feelings, then blow up when we can't stuff anymore inside of us. Have you tried journaling to "talk" some of those feelings out? I've found it can be almost as good as talking to a counselor at times. Less stuffing = less exploding. Advocate for yourself as needed, maybe keep to small group interaction when possible, and keep on keeping on. Prayers for guidance and peace.