To think men play down women's mental illness?

[UndertheCedartree]

I was just wondering if this is just me or if others have experienced it?

When I was on an acute ward for 7 months (have been in hospital for over 2 years now - just to explain seriousness of my illness) men (patients) would often make comments to me about how 'I just needed to eat more', 'I needed to stop sleeping in the day' or 'I needed to get discharged from the ward as the ward is making me unwell' and in their opinion I would be perfectly fine. Women never made comments like that.

Slightly different but when I was struggling to care for my mentally unwell DH with a baby and small child there was no support for myself however much I vocalised I was struggling. However, since I've been unwell services have been falling over themselves to provide support for the DC's dad.

Is it just that women are always just expected to get on with it and everything will be fine?

I don't know but I'm inclined to think YABU.

Lots of people get mental illness and are sympathetic/know how to help and support.
Equally, lots of people do not get it at all and are either awkward and embarrassed or actually hostile and unhelpful.
I think the majority of people want to help and understand but aren't sure what to say or do.

In my experience men and women are equally split between the three groups.

Do you have anorexia? I do find that women (in general) understand this better than men. But again, not always.

I'm sorry you've been in hospital for so long. Is there a support plan in place for you to get out?

@manicinsomniac - I have a history of Anorexia but not the current problem, although I was a bit under weight when I was on the acute ward.

I'm hoping to be discharged around end of February. Just waiting for a date for my discharge meeting and then will find out what steps need to be taken for discharge. I am scared but also incredibly excited at the prospect!

Who are these men that are speaking to you like this?