I don't have alcoholism but I do have issues with OCD, bipolar and self injury. I get the most "just-get-over-it" for the last one, because there seems to be this prevailing mentality (perhaps fed by the emo side of Tumblr?) that people who self-harm do it for attention and can "snap out of it" just like that. They don't understand that it's every bit of an addiction as alcohol, drugs and gambling. In fact I believe the DSM has recently classified SI as a distinct condition.

The sad thing is, most people will never be able to truly empathise with people with MI. I myself was unable to place myself in the shoes of someone with MI until I experienced it myself. There is still a huge stigma attached and sadly, ignorance and vitriol seem to rule the day with hugely skewed perceptions of the MI community. It might be encouraging that these notions are changing for the better, but I don't foresee a complete reversal in the near future.

Well then, this is what PsychCentral is for! So glad you joined us and we're all here to support one another through the ups-and-downs of life. Welcome!