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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To tell you I have a mental illness

168 replies

LEMisdisappointed · 05/08/2013 19:03

Time to talk are having a "big share" on the demon facebook to raise awareness of mental health issues and prejudice.

i think this link will work

I suffer from depression and anxiety - it skews they way i take things sometimes, so something that would go over my head normally really upsets me and i over analyse EVERYTHING. I am on citalopram which helps with my anxiety and means i can get through the day without having a meltdown. I manage to be a good mum and decent partner and think im fun to be around. I am not ashamed to have a mental illness.

OP posts:
ArgyMargy · 05/08/2013 19:07

YANBU.

Good for you. Stigma and prejudice are massive in mental health and the more we talk about it, the better. You should be no more ashamed of having a mental health problem than having a broken arm. And clearly you're not, so good on you.

Original poster
LEMisdisappointed · 05/08/2013 19:10

Thanks Argy - i am always very open about it, i don't like having these issues but im buggered if im going to be ashamed of them Grin

Anyone else want to join the "big share"

I have found that because i am open about it in RL, that people tell me about their own issues - i am stunned at how many other people struggle.

OP posts:
ASmidgeofMidge · 05/08/2013 19:16

Hi. Love this campaign. I also experience both depression & anxiety: in recent years, anxiety has been the bigger issue. I'm currently trying to manage some creeping increases in symptoms with techniques learnt in a course of cbt earlier this year- am 16w pg- but in the past have taken Citalopram and fluoxetine with success. I passionately believe there's nothing to be ashamed of with regard to mental ill health. You wouldn't be ashamed of a broken leg, or eczema! But I still find myself going through stages of denial before each episode, and I have to admit I'm scared of telling some people.

JogOnKitty · 05/08/2013 19:16

Well done Op. I also suffer with depression and anxiety and also taking citalopram. It helps take the edge of my moods and makes it easier to deal with day to day things, that before would send me over the edge.
Mental illness is not catching and should definitly be normalised.

DonkeysDontRideBicycles · 05/08/2013 19:19

My mum didn't get help for her depression for years and when she finally did, my dad was too embarrassed to explain to concerned MIL what she was being treated for. My mum told her MIL who at once thanked her for being so open and reassured her whenever she felt overwhelmed, to call on her for help, they were a lot closer from that moment.

That was 40 years' ago, I would hope there'd be no stigma at all by now, I hope this campaign really takes off.

Original poster
LEMisdisappointed · 05/08/2013 19:22

Things have got better i think donkeys, i don't wear it like a badge, just the way as a diabetic wouldn't say to someone "oh hi, im LEM and am diabletic" but if it comes up in conversation I am quite open about it. Have experienced prejudice in the work-place though. Had to leave my job through it :(

OP posts:
Original poster
LEMisdisappointed · 05/08/2013 19:22

*diabetic!

OP posts:
Fuzzysnout · 05/08/2013 19:22

You certainly should not be ashamed. I have a physical illness which I don't particularly like to talk about in RL, but I am aware that when I do need to, I can be sure of sympathy & understanding from others. I know that this is not always the case if you have a mental illness and the more it is talked about, hopefully the easier it will become.

catgirl1976 · 05/08/2013 19:23

Hi Lem

I also suffer from depression anxiety. My psychiatrist also believes I have a gambling addiction, and whilst this does not manifest in me betting or going to the casino all the time, instead I take massive gambles with my life and risk stuff like my job / health / relationships

I take citalopram and am trying to work through my behaviors

I'm not ashamed in the slightest and happy to share

PoodleFlavouredFreddos · 05/08/2013 19:23

Brilliant link.

I suffer from depression, anxiety, eating disorders .... I am labelled BPD and even amongst other people with MH issues that label causes stigma. And I am ashamed, ashamed I do not have a 'normal' life and have not reached the stage of having a career, like my friends have, because i spent so so many years in and out of hospitals.

I try and be open about it, and i agree - it is astounding the amount of people who struggle.

LegoRelatedInjury · 05/08/2013 19:24

Good thread OP.

I have anxiety which is better controlled now that my circumstances are easier but I was on propanol for about 6 months to help me cope. It was horrible.

I still have lots of little anxieties which I fight with on a day to day basis though and know how horrendous mental health issues can be. I'm not embarrassed to talk about it now but it amazes me how many people are shocked when I speak about it as I seem quite chilled on the surface. Hiding it well has been one of my biggest problems! We should all be kinder to ourselves. Flowers

ArgyMargy · 05/08/2013 19:25

I think part of the problem is that people still don't realise how many of their friends, family and colleagues are suffering. When I had an eating disorder in my teens I thought I was the only person in the world going through that horror. Once I found out that other people had this thing, it was so much easier to deal with.

catgirl1976 · 05/08/2013 19:26

Oh I forgot, I am also a compulsive scalp picker

I am a bit ashamed of that and avoid hairdressers Blush

LongTailedTit · 05/08/2013 19:28

I've had depression on and off since I was a child, then PND after DS.
I was very open about my PND diagnosis and the medication I took for it, which really caught some people off guard, I think I was meant to mutter it quietly under my breath and change topic... Wink

For me it will be a lifetime journey in and out of mild depression, fortunately I am more self aware these days and can often pull myself out of it before I get too deep.

Tis just part of who I am, and bizarrely makes me a very optimistic positive person IRL as I have to make an effort to think that way else I slide back in.

Original poster
LEMisdisappointed · 05/08/2013 19:33

catgirl1976 Wow!! i thought it was just me!! I have done this since i was a teenager - i cut my own hair Blush It can sometime be really bad and is a good reflection of how stressed i am. I actually hadn't linked it in with my anxiety/depression so thanks for mentioning that, lightbulb moment!!!

OP posts:
filee777 · 05/08/2013 19:37

I have just begun to ask for help for my mental health problems. I have a script for sertraline which I am six days into. I feel very low today but I am hoping to feel better very soon. I couldn't take citalopram because it made me incontinenr.

Catmint · 05/08/2013 19:37

Me too, I struggle with anxiety issues which flare up into depression every few years.

Have had loads of ADs, counselling and CBT.

People with MH problems are often very insightful, I have found.

Catmint · 05/08/2013 19:38

Oh, I scalp pick, too!

JogOnKitty · 05/08/2013 19:39

I have to say though, its sad how peoples reaction towards can change once they know you have a mental illness.
Iv put this on my facebook and twitter accounts barely 10minutes ago and already some fuckwits have put 'hilarious' comments about nutters and mentals. Wtf?!
Im off for a friend cull.
Angry

idiuntno57 · 05/08/2013 19:41

anyone who is open and out about their mental illness is to be applauded. .

There is Soooo much stigma out there but normal people (rather than celebs) need more normal people role models.

I am a manic depressive. In the past I've had depression (and many anti depressants) these days psychotic episodes are more of a problem. However I can and do live my life and bring up my family pretty ok. Not looking for a medal but actually think people who are open do.

Well done OP. YANBU. Grin

idiuntno57 · 05/08/2013 19:43

OP ignore the silly posts. These people are not your friends.

catgirl1976 · 05/08/2013 19:43

Waves to LEM and catmint as fellow scalp pickers :)

Original poster
LEMisdisappointed · 05/08/2013 19:43

filee - I remember your thread - I have PM'd you x

OP posts:
tak1ngchances · 05/08/2013 19:45

I have anxiety, agoraphobia and claustrophobia. I had an eating disorder in my 20s.

Because I was able to eventually seek help, I am so much better these days. I am no longer a prisoner in my home and can face life much better. I have CBT and take 50mg of Sertraline daily.

The hardest part was going to get help. I felt I was a total failure for going to see someone and I should just "get on with things like everyone else".

Hugs to everyone who is suffering, high fives to those getting help, and a hand to hold for those who need a bit of support xx

sparklekitty · 05/08/2013 19:49

I suffer from bi polar and eating disorder/ disordered eating. I also have strong traits of BPD.

I'm open with people about my MH issues, although I don't like talking about the BPD as it has such negativity about it, esp as people assume that you are really manipulative.

I think the time to change campaign is great. I find some people still feel uncomfortable with me talking about it, however, lots have also come out and said they suffer depression or anxiety etc.

It helps to admit it I think. Esp as I spent so many years hiding the abuse which lead to my MH issues.

YANBU :)