Quote:
Originally Posted by Odee
Thanks sidestepper! I think you really helped touch upon my original thoughts regarding the idea.
The reasons why I think a mentally ill individual should not accuse others of "having no understanding" is because saying so will push others away, and create resent from both ends. I think people respond very negatively if you give them the impression that MI excuses you of your actions. I believe it is in the MI individual's interest to foster the growing bond and trust necessary to talk about these issues.
And another thanks to tangodream. I guess it's not so much WHAT is said, as it is the attitude: Such as it may be appropriate to explain to someone that it's impolite to assume they understand your experience, but this needs to be done with patience on both sides.
I also think that I may have had better experiences with the people who have tried to talk to me than some users here! From my experience, it has been mostly me holding back on what I say limiting us from understanding. From my point of view, the phrases I listed were things I could say to avoid any real discussion.
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That makes sense, and I do try to be patient and explain to people they should not necessarily assume they understand how I feel. But when they get pushy about it then it stresses me out and I can't help but push them away because it's just too overwhelming.
I mean honestly I cannot always control my reactions, especially if my PTSD gets set off. Doesn't mean I have an excuse to just be an *** to everyone...and I feel terrible when I lose control and piss people off or disturb them or whatever. I mean I don't know if I agree that one who is mentally ill can necessarily have total control over how they respond to things so that has to be acknowledged. Again though I am not saying one should use mental illness as an excuse for nasty behavior but..uhh there is such a fine line it seems.