information help: Why does being mentally ill still carry such a negative stigma? - Help.com

Why does being mentally ill still carry such a negative stigma?

I am mentally ill, but am vigilant in maintaining my mental health through all possible outlets: psychiatrist, psychologist, meds. It is a crap shoot to divulge this personal info to anyone. And no matter what, it stops many promising relationships. And I’m not telling perfect strangers about myself. I give ample time in a relationship before I discuss this. I’m left to wonder if this is how it feels to stay in the closet when you’re gay? Having mental illness doesn’t mean you are stark raving mad! So why is this subject still so taboo and frightening in this day and age?

This open post was written 1 year, 8 months ago | V/U/S: 764, 5, 3 | Edit Post | Leave a reply | Subscribe to Replies | Report Post


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Since writing this post jennyolivia may have helped people, but has not within the last 4 days. jennyolivia is a verified member, has been around for 1 year, 8 months and has 1 posts and 3 replies to their name.

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mental illness, Psychiatry, taboo, information, Debate, gay, psychologist, Mental Health, matter, health, Ignorance (Edit Tags) (How Tags Affect Reciprocity)

Replies (5)

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Puck You offline Verified User (1 year, 9 months) Long Term User Shouts: 5 Add Friend #
Spokane, WA, US | 1 year, 8 months ago (2 minutes after post)

I know what you mean. I go through the same thing. I personally blame the media. They make the mentally ill look scarey or like they’re something to be ashamed of. When they’re not.

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Help me with: I have just been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and I am extremely depressed.
Wabisuke offline Verified User (1 year, 8 months) Long Term User Shouts: 1 Add Friend #
Montreal, QC, CA | 1 year, 8 months ago (9 minutes after post)

I don’t know why it’s still so taboo, because it’s so painfully common.
I don’t even know you, and I already admire you. I want to seek help for my depression, but I’m absolutely terrified at how my parents will react.

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Help me with: Dreamwidth.org
jennyolivia offline Verified User (1 year, 8 months) Long Term User Shouts: 0 Add Friend #
An Undisclosed Location | 1 year, 8 months ago (9 minutes after post)

Thanks for the quick response. I’m just so frustrated! You’re right. The media does propagate mass ignorance!

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Puck You offline Verified User (1 year, 9 months) Long Term User Shouts: 5 Add Friend #
Spokane, WA, US | 1 year, 8 months ago (11 minutes after post)

No problem! I run into this on a daily basis. The minute someone hears me talking to my mom about my counseling appt. they decide that I am scary and start treating me like a criminal. So I know how it feels.

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Help me with: I have just been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and I am extremely depressed.
jennyolivia offline Verified User (1 year, 8 months) Long Term User Shouts: 0 Add Friend #
An Undisclosed Location | 1 year, 8 months ago (28 minutes after post)

Akabachi, Please help yourself…parents will react, as you know. Who knows? They may surprise you with love and acceptance. They may not understand why you feel depressed; they might feel responsible for how you feel. Many parents worry they may have done something to cause the depression and feel guilty about it. Some are afraid it will become public and embarrass them. You are most important. From experience, if you don’t like the first person you talk to when seeking treatment, move on quickly! It may take a couple of tries to find the right doc for you to be comfortable with. I’ve found a little research goes a long way. Ask everyone you know family doctors, dentists, etc. if they had a relative who needed help, who would they recommend? Good luck. I’ll be thinking of you!

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