Quote:
Originally Posted by WendyAussie
... Often on these boards and others the response to the post I made is try harder, it'll get better, there's a reason to all this etc. While those things might be true for some it's not for others. And also that you acknowledged that there is a difference in severity, I think, for any given psychiatric illness. So, again, some people even who have Bipolar may make blithe comments about sitting it out or think positively or whatever and it makes me feel worse.
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I so understand you on this. It makes me feel worse too, even trying to remind myself that no harm is meant. It's like I want to just do some Pollyanna Pummeling and scream, "you just ******* don't get it!!!" Especially when they talk about all their family etc. and all it means to them. Then I feel worse, because I'm glad for them, and wouldn't wish anything but the best for them. Still, they are them, and I am me, I can't relate and it makes me feel very very outside, and even more alone.*
Sure, those things can be useful when things are more mild. I'm probably even guilty to some degree of misapplication, and sincerely hope to not have inflicted any truly problematic hurt at those times. Personally make use of the lighter strategies when appropriate. BUT. Profound and persistant depression is a different beast altogether. Then it is like tossing tissues at Godzilla. And very frustrating to hear proposed.
(I would like to echo gravyyy in saying how very super awesome your sobriety is! Extremely commendable.)
On the topic of severity... Differences in severity are very real. Couldn't possibly agree more. (Have a rant on this topic. Another time though.)
* (Need to note here that I don't want anyone to feel bad for offering encouragement, and would obviously be loathe/unthinkable to discourage it, but I *do* have this reaction when I'm in a bad place, and I can't pretend it's not so. No reflection on anyone else, just my dark and besieged mind, and I want to be 100% clear on that.)
I truly don't mean to be a bummer. I know intellectually that our illness lies to us, but to my heart it is very very convincing in those times and just how relentless it feels. I just need to let you know that you are not alone.
WendyAussie, you asked for wisdom, I have none. You asked for help. I don't know what to say but that you can rest assured that I won't toss any of the stuff we talked about above out. So all I really have to offer is deep empathy and hope that in some measure it is of value to you. It's all I have, but it is fully yours if there is anything you find helpful even in the least bit. Even if it is only the potential of encouragement found in sharing.