Do you find it hard to accept that you are unwell and suffering with a mental illness?

[Snog]

I find it hard to accept.

no, i dont think i find it hard to accept as i've been poorly on and off since my mid 20s (now mid 50s), but yes, i find it difficult to live with my poorly periods, and then it helps if friends and family, and clinicians etc are supportive/ caring which they usually are (though not my new cpns).

Flares are the worst aren't they? I'm glad you are getting diagnosed though; hopefully it will open different treatment options for you. Mine opened up the idea of physiotherapy and increased meds. How old are your boys and what do you find hardest? In my dreams and wishes, I'd write a list and get everyone to help out! Are there any friends nearby who could help you out? Sorry lots of questions! I feel for you op.

Opps wrong thread sorry !

I find it hard to accept that my thoughts when I am unwell are not "real" or "true" as they seem so real and rational and obvious. And I'm not talking about psychotic episodes, but "just" depression.

When I'm unwell I can't see beyond life being hard and unfair and sad and I can't see any good. Yet when I am well again I still see life being hard and unfair but somehow can see that it's worth living for nonetheless and there are lots of good parts too.

It's how real the feelings are when I'm unwell that I can't accept. And therefore that it is hard to accept as an illness. Even when I'm better I still completely understand why so many people are depressed as life IS actually hard and unfair.

Thanks for this thread Snog. It's interesting and helpful. I hope I haven't been depressing, there really are some extremely joyful and wonderful things in this world and we have to look for them and focus on them, rather than the horrid bits.

Yes, no, maybe. I'm new here and start citalopram tomorrow and counselling after trying alternative options previously. I know the trigger for the recent crash (bereavement I am struggling to comprehend) have experienced but I think I have been heading this way for years. It is hard to accept I am 'ill', I feel a right fraud when I look at what the people around me are going through, real problems not just me not holding it together, however I am really missing the normal, rational, not paranoid or freaking out at just nipping to Sainsburys me. So I know I'm not well, the fear of accepting it and the reaction of work (seeing I am pulling a fast one, I'm sure I am, this isn't me at all) are keeping the anxiety up.

It's so horrible. I have generalised anxiety disorder and people often trivialise it or dismiss it as being ridiculous.
Luckily, mental illness is gradually getting better recognition and treatment, but that doesn't stop me from feeling lonely.
Apart from mumsnet, who do you talk to about it?
I will apply for counselling when I move out of my parent's house and live independently.