Boundaries

[Wakeboarder24]

In a moment of weakness, I told my uber driver I was schizophrenic. He was talking about diagnosis. I think on some level everybody can be diagnosed with some mental health disorder. But I need to understand schizophrenia is scary to people. People don’t know my heart. They just met me.

[IncognitoC]

Being judged by people way before they get to know you is not good. With most mental health issues there is a certain amount of judgement and as you quite rightly say this is not fair.

[Wakeboarder24 in reply to IncognitoC]

I do understand that his brother was schizophrenic and he said he was violent. I must have touched a nerve.

[IncognitoC in reply to Wakeboarder24]

I don’t know much about schizophrenia but I would guess that not everyone is the same. He of all people should have known that I think.

[Wakeboarder24 in reply to IncognitoC]

He told me he was autistic. He kind of understood but he felt like he was on guard.

[IncognitoC in reply to Wakeboarder24]

Maybe his autism brought out his guarded side!

[Wakeboarder24 in reply to IncognitoC]

That’s a good point. I didn’t think of that.

[IncognitoC in reply to Wakeboarder24]

You did understand that he was able to kind of relate to you even though he did become guarded

[Wakeboarder24 in reply to IncognitoC]

Yeah it was just a feeling of distrust in my gut.

[IncognitoC in reply to Wakeboarder24]

And that’s absolutely fine to feel that. There are far too many people out there who purposefully treat mental health issues badly

[Wakeboarder24 in reply to IncognitoC]

It’s like bleeding in front of a shark

[IncognitoC in reply to Wakeboarder24]

That’s a good analogy. And very true.

[Trainchaser]

But talking about it to others that you may not know there also is a chance of positive results. People like us with mental illness should not be ashamed of who we are. Have a good day my friend

[bethelbee in reply to Trainchaser]

Agreed. I have always been very open about my battles with depression and anxiety and have never felt ashamed. It is part of who I am but does not define me.

[Trainchaser in reply to bethelbee]

Very well put

[Wakeboarder24 in reply to Trainchaser]

My fear is always that people will be afraid of me. I’m kind of a loner.

[Trainchaser in reply to Wakeboarder24]

In your mind what is the worst thing that can happen?

[Hidden]

Hello

I myself tend to sometimes, say overshare. But like Trainchaser said we should never be ashamed of who we are. People will react the way that they will react and many times it can hurt. Ive learned to be proud of me. That our challenges are real, No different than say a physical disability, just the results of symptoms can be different in behavior to some. His experience was a sometimes violent one from his brother. He also showed a side of compassion.Maybe your showing of kindness and love was just what he needed right then. . We will never know how it will affect others with our story, good or bad, but sharing it is never bad.. How one reacts when hearing our story is up to them. Be proud, in a world that doesn’t always get it. Does that mean tell the world.

That is up to YOU

When I share my challenges I can initially be sorry I did, but eventually see that it is me. A kind, compassionate and loving soul. Never someone that wants to hurt others even if my presentation isn’t always a great as I want it to be.

Can’t see anything wrong with that in God’s eyes

You are loved

[Wakeboarder24 in reply to Hidden]

You know I’ve always wanted to be an inspiration for people with this disease.

[Hidden in reply to Wakeboarder24]

Whether you see it or not. You have been with me here, so I'm sure you have with others

Stay strong my friend and hits those wakes hard.

I'm old now, but I lived on Oahu in my twenties bodysurfing Pipe, inside Waimea and Sandy's. Back in Cali the Wedge

Grew up water skiing jumping wakes. No wakeboards or even boogeboards waaaay back then.

Now getting out of bed is a thrill

Man I miss all that

Crush some for me bruh

[Wakeboarder24 in reply to Hidden]

You know that post made my day. Thank you.

[ElephantsHear]

I’ve been in a vulnerable moment and later thought I shared too much. You were being genuine and sociable. You seem like a cool person and I hope you know how great a person you are ; )

[Wakeboarder24 in reply to ElephantsHear]

Thanks I feel that way about myself