I really like this thread, because it brings up an issue that I see so much. People begin to see themselves as "victims" or being "sick." I agree that it becomes part of their identity. Some become so focused on fighting stigma that they constantly try to justify their symptoms and experiences, thus driving this identification deeper. They take suggestions that maybe they can find a way out, as accusations that they are "not doing enough" or that they can just "snap out of it." Then they react defensively rather than seeing the light that the original suggestion was supposed to bring.

They get trapped in this victim mentality. Their present self is defined by past events or certain difficulties that they have. Unfortunately, when you have this view of yourself, you subconsciously give off signals to others and can even put yourself in dangerous situations over and over again. I've known people who seemed to attract tragedy wherever they went. This was largely the result of their own "victim mentality." Unfortunately the new events made things worse and I watched these people spiral downhill. Some eventually did figure out how to pull themselves out, but the rest did end up with a lifetime of problems.

Learning to see yourself differently and to find a life outside of the issues/past is very important. That is part of moving to "survivor." 'Something bad happened (very past tense) to me, but I'm in a different place now where I'm moving on.' People with this mentality still struggle, but they are no longer overwhelmed and controlled by negativity.

I wish the article talked about the next step. This is commonly referred to as being a "thriver." At this point you aren't weighed down by negativity at all (although you might still have a bad day or get triggered like everyone does). These people feel that they have grown and conquered the problems which plagued them. Many feel that they are better people for what they have accomplished. This doesn't justify any of the bad things which happened in their past. Instead it's reflective of their accomplishments. They are able to live happy and fulfilling lives.

Don't take any of this personally. I'm not talking about anyone specifically. The message here isn't supposed to be one of judgement. Instead it's about hope and empowerment. Keep working to make a good life for yourself and deal with (then allow yourself to put aside) the traumas, and you can get to a really good place in life. It's for and about you; nobody else.