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Sabrina0805 said:
When I was in a psychiatric hospital, I witnessed a number of other patients having attacks. It is frightening and painful to see. I tend to agree that for a person who does not suffer from the illness, that witnessing the attack doesn't mean much (I think of my husband here - he seems to think I am "acting").

Yes, seeing another suffer certainly draws empathy from me.

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Sabrina,

I used to get the 'acting' thing from my wife too. I think this is a very common reaction, and it's not helpful at all. I learned to cover up my attacks, but that isn't the way to go IMHO, it's much better to be open about what you're feeling.

Denial goes very deep, but I think it needs to be challenged, both at a personal level and at a society level.

I'm very interested in this idea that once we have experienced something we can spot it in others; this is a sense that seems to get sharper as I get older too. Maybe I keep my eyes open a bit more, and don't just think about 'me' all the time.

Good thoughts. M