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Old Jun 03, 2011, 06:37 AM
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Direction Direction is offline
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Member Since: Dec 2006
Location: Midwest, USA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rjdaws View Post
My aunt's a Registered Nurse so I would assume she knows something about mental illness, even though she doesn't work directly with the mentally ill. But maybe not.

I've never been told by any professional, "You suffer from depression" but I don't need a doctor to tell me I've dealt with SI, suicidal thoughts and an attempt, and constant anguish since I was 12. I may not be "clinically depressed" because I don't have a piece of paper that says so but my aunt knows I've struggled. She just doesn't know the whole story and talks about it like she does...
I'm not sure we can assume she knows or understands anything because her behavior is opposite of someone who does. I brought up the question about a professional saying it, because since you haven't...your aunt (definately not me) might not be convinced that it is depression. This would be consistent with her behavior anyway. I also don't think your aunt knows how much you struggle with this especially since you know she doesn't know the whole story.

So if you are looking for support from her, I would encourage you to in small amounts help her understand the depths of what you feel. By the way, I think you are describing your frustration for this situation just fine and could be a good starting point with your aunt.
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Ripple Effect - Small things can make a difference
Thanks for this!
rjdaws