To think that mental illness is worse than physical illness

[Ellascakes29]

I have suffered with both mental and physical illnesses over the past 15 years (I have adhd, severe depression, ulcerative colitis and I have scarring of my kidneys from recurrent kidney infections). As much as I have suffered and been in pain physically over the years, having poor mental health has been absolutely devastating and has destroyed so much of things that have made me happy (I split with my partner of five years due to behaviours from my mental health and I have difficult relationships with family members because of it also). When I go through considerable stress and my colitis flares my mental health deteriorates rapidly. I just wondered if anyone else could relate to this?

@Wale90 thank you for your reply. I think you're right that I am being unreasonable in making it in a statement. I hadn't meant to diminish anyone's suffering and realise that in comparison to so many other people I am so lucky. I think I just thought that the mental anguish that comes with mental health problems can seem so much more vivid and suffocating than when you have mental capacity and can still make clear decisions despite being in pain

@zoflorabore I haven't seen that book before I might check it out! My adhd diagnosis is also fairly recent. I am medicated- I'm on Ritalin- it has definitely helped in so many ways- I drive safely now because I can concentrate and think about what I'm doing and keep my emotions in control (I was always crashing and driving way over the speed limit before). I used to really impulsively spend thousands of pounds at a time on clothes- I'm now able to go to shops without buying everything I like the look of and as a result am starting to clear debt that I ran up. In day to day things I can do things like make a meal without starting three other activities at the same time, I can follow a conversation now and not constantly interrupt other people's conversations. it has definitely improved the quality of my life. I hope you are able to decide and if you have anymore questions please feel free to ask me

Mental health problems fall under the hidden disabilities umbrella (and I'd put UC in that group too) and yes, there are extra problems that go with a hidden disability. I'm not sure he helps to label one thing worse than another though.

Depends on the illness.

My mother's cancer killed her in 12 weeks, from thinking she was vaguely unwell, to dead.

She was in no way ready to die. It was utterly unstoppable.

Mental illness is not the same.

I don't think they can be compared.

I have extreme magical thinking ocd that takes up hours of my time each day and stops me from having a fulfilling normal life. I feel like a prisoner in my own mind almost. I even dream about my ocd. I have tried cbt in the past and it barely helped. I'm on a waiting list that's 6 months to try cbt again. I'm also very embarrassed to talk to people about it, and people will not take it as seriously as a physical illness. My own father just says something like "get over it its all in your mind". Yes I think I would prefer a physical illness, it would be likely treated faster and taken more seriously.

I honestly think it's impossible to compare the two.

DS1 was badly injured in a horrific accident last year. It was touch and go at several points and his recovery has been exhausting for him, and for us all.

However, he also suffered several years ago with his mental health and whilst he was truly, truly unwell, the difference in care and consideration he received for the physical illness versus the mental illness is indescribable. From friends and family to teachers, everyone reacts differently when they can see whats wrong (and even as his parent I'm guilty of it at times). Mental illness is as debilitating as physical illness, but is so much less obvious that recognition and support are drastically reduced.

It depends on the individuals circumstances.

I have type 1 diabetes, I also have depression and anxiety. I also had bulimia and diabulimia for a long time.

If I have problems with my diabetes I am seen the same day, if I need NHS help for my mental health I am given a number to call, the wait to see an actual human being is 12 weeks. As an NHS patient I was offered six therapy sessions, I would then be discharged. As a result I have no choice but to pay for treatment.

If my health issues were left untreated my mental health issues would kill me well before my diabetes. Statistically even when managed my mental health is more likely to kill/harm me than my diabetes.

For me my mental health conditions are far worse than my physical condition.

Sorry OP but it's not a straightforward comparison in my view, especially if you suffer with both, as you yourself do.

I think the two are intertwined with each affecting the severity in experience of the other in never ceasing flux.

What I am trying to say (most likely poorly), is there a chance that the pain is making the MH problems seem more severe than the physical ones when it is the mental weariness/anguish of the physical pain that is really driving things.

I know I struggle more to cope mentally when the pain gets too much or seems to go on forever with no pause.

I also know the pain gets worse at times of mental distress.

At times, it seems like two voracious monsters fighting inside the body, battling for dominance and feeding off each other.

Just my own experience, I am fully prepared to be considered full of shit though.

Everyone's experiences are unique. It really depends on the individual situation. It certainly is possible to be more affected by mental health issues than by physical health issues, as you've related, but of course it isn't always a given.

I remember hearing something once, after people had argued about which of two atrocities was worse "this is pointless - you're comparing shades of black".

Incomparable really. Sorry you're having a tough time. I've just come through 2 brain surgeries and the fecking toll it's had on my physical and mental health has been wild. The physical side has been much worse for me but has definitely exacerbated the mental health problems just having to try and deal with the recovery. Really depends on the situation I guess.