To call someone mentally unstable

[blujohnstons]

AIBU to think it is wrong to call someone who is going through a hard time as mentally unstable? Has anybody ever been called this and how did it make you feel?

I have been called this today and feeling even worse now and that there is something wrong with me. Sometimes things just get too much and I am now feeling like a failure.

I always think, when someone says something like this or anything that is a bit off... did they have my best interests at heart when they said that? Is it something a friend would say? See if it's not, they're not your friend, they're not looking out for you, and you can safely ignore them.

Yes I have a few times, these people had my best interests at heart though. It depends if they had your best interests at heart or are saying it to be spiteful.
Big hugs op.

I have had this said about me at various points in my life, sometimes well-meaning, sometimes it felt as though it was being said to undercut me in some bizarre way. I think the term carries a weight with it that automatically puts people who are going through a rough time on the defensive. As PP have said, what matters is, was it said by somebody who has your best interests at heart?

Mentally unstable doesn't mean you're defective, or broken or wrong in any way, it means you're going through something that is understandably affecting your mental health - but the term can sound a little cutting even when said with kindness. Please don't take this as an estimation of how well (or not well) you are doing, focus on what you need to do to help yourself, I hope things improve for you soon @blujohnstons