You do not have to be rich to have a breakdown

It's not something people talk about on wards as either you are too unwell to have insight or you are well enough to know you weren't able to just carry on indefinitely.

It was a new one on me in terms of rich/poor. However, not in terms of men/women. I've experienced the expectation as a mum I should be able to 'get on with it' over the dad.

It absolutely doesn't make anyone's struggles less valid, worthy of empathy, support and treatment no matter how mild or severe their illness. However, what I am referring to is a mental breakdown in which you are unable to function in any way.

The problem with just getting on with things as you don't want your children in care is that then leads to you not seeking help at an earlier stage and this could lead to a worsening of mental health that could lead to a breakdown and you having no choice than for your children to go into care. I wish I had fully understood that before my breakdown.

As for therapy, of course it is much easier to access with money. But if you feel it could helpful I don't know if you have explored NHS options. I know at the IAPT level it is very limited but some find it helpful particularly in combination with medication.

I'm saying that those who have a mental breakdown many who are hospitalised, some may have intense home treatment do not have a choice in the matter and therefore it can affect anyone rich or poor. I am suggesting the narrative that you have to 'just get on with it' as you have a job etc is dangerous as it stops people seeking help which may then lead to them being more likely to have a breakdown which can lead to being sectioned or voluntary admission and this may be for weeks/months/years - really depends on a whole host of things. But at that point your choice is either limited or non-existant.

I'm sorry to hear you had to stop your degree. I'm glad you managed to get help and work were supportive. Those 6 week therapy courses are so short. I don't know if you know but there are different levels you can move up (depending what level you started on). You could therefore get further therapy by moving up - although you will have to wait again and get a different therapist so not necessarily a suitable option, but just thought I'd mention it.

I mean that's an exaggeration. In that many do seek help and indeed if you seek help earlier you are less likely to lose those things. As I said I think telling poor women they 'can't' seek help as they will lose all those things then means many don't and some will go on to have a mental breakdown and then be more likely to lose those things. Myself I lost my job but not my kids or my home, fortunately. I appreciate the risk of that is greater for some people.

Also why would you think someone would joke about something so serious. Weird response, imo.

I see your point. I wish people wouldn't use breakdown in that way though as it really isn't helpful or empathetic to those suffering severely. I would agree there are more from lower economic backgrounds in hospitals. There are many NHS patients in private hospitals too due to lack of beds. And yes a lot of very young, although I hope it means they can get help and support at a younger age and be able to have a better life as a result of getting help earlier. I know it doesn't always work out like that, though.

It wasn't a joke and not one person. However, it is an important topic to me and one I wanted to discuss.

It does beg the question why you are bothered about what one random person wants to talk about on a discussion forum?

Oh were you? I don't always pick up on sarcasm sorry. But surely everyone knows an opinion is just an opinion. Some may agree, some may disagree. But I think it is a worthy topic to discuss.

No, they genuinely believed it.

Oh and to the person demanding I say if I challenged it - no, as it would have derailed the thread.

To be fair I would say everyone I met in hospital had experienced major trauma, sadly. Having said that it doesn't mean you don't deserve to get support for your mental health now for your quality of life. And you should because trauma can hit anyone.

We all have different circumstances that make things easier or more difficult. But has your SIL had a breakdown and if so do you think she wouldn't have had if she was poorer? I understand someone may not do something if they don't have to like work. But noone chooses to not sleep, eat, shower, change clothes for months on end, I wouldn't have thought.

I think we'll have to agree to disagree. I don't think masking should be used as a reason not to get support and treatment. Without treatment the masking may eventually crack. I don't think it is worth the risk to end up in hospital potentially for many years. I used to be able to mask...until I couldn't. Yes, I was very unwell before...and then it got worse. When that happens to you it puts a lot of things into perspective. It's not a competition as to who is more unwell, all mental illness is distressing. However, in my opinion those who are hospitalised long term are the most unwell and at that point you are simply unable to function. I am not saying this is you but there are definitely some people who claim to be most severely unwell but are still able to work, look after children etc. I feel that is an insult to the experience of those who are locked in hospitals unable to do anything and I don't think it helps with awareness.