I'm too ****ing tired to think of a thread title.....

Anyways....partial credit for this thread goes to doublemonkey...

When I was writing in his thread about "advice", the more I wrote the more it was making sense to me and how it applies to my life. I often don't want the advice, and the advice given is usually extremely simplified to the point it's almost insulting. To be fair to a NON that is unfamiliar with mental illness, I'm certain that their intentions are good... it's more they don't know what to say or maybe how to act.. I don't believe this is just applicable to us. I'm sure many with disabilities/handicaps have similar frustrations.

I've noticed, in my life, when I meet someone (without mental illness) I perceive us as being equals. It's when they find out about my mental illness the perception shifts, and it no longer feels as if were equals. I know others can relate to this, at least the people in my dbt class could. In someways, to me, from that point on it almost feels like they take on the role of a councelor, which isn't what I or anyone else wants.

So... My question is purely hypothetical, because we will never live in a perfect world. If we could talk about our mental illness comfortably out in the open, be treated as if it was no big deal, no stigma attached etc... Do you think that would help or hinder you in trying to get better?

I can see how both sides would apply.... For me, I'd like to think it would help me get better. My reasoning is it would take a lot of pressure off of me. I wouldn't have to worry about what I say or don't say to someone.. In this hypothetical world it would be no big deal, I could talk openly about, and I would still be perceived as their equal.. It would also get me out more, and I wouldn't isolate as much. I could put more of my energy into getting better. I do notice having to cover up so much about my mental illness is mentally/physically tiring. I wouldn't have to worry about that anymore..

How would it affect you? (better, worse, same)