And doesn't it downright tick you off when it happens?

Because I have depression and anxiety, people tend to automatically assume:

* I can't deal. Put me in a new experience, or there is bad news, or whatever, and they automatically think I'm going to freak out and not be able to handle it. This is why I couldn't find anybody to teach me to drive until I was in my 40's.

* I'm not very intelligent. This I usually get from social workers. I'm given some bit of basic information and then immediately after they say it, "Here, let me write it down for you." Surprise, not only am I capable of remembering it, but if I had any doubt, I'm also capable of writing!

* I never have physical illness. If I think I do, it's all it my head. No, if I'm having stomach cramps, it's got to be anxiety. It can't possibly be gastroenteritis. (Which is what it turned out to be.)

Speaking of driving, I know I'm not the only one the subject comes up with. I can't remember where, but I was reading someone's post who was talking about going to group therapy, and hanging out and chatting afterward. The facilitator told that person to "hurry, or you'll miss your bus." And was then surprised that he/she didn't take the bus, but had driven to the group session. Why do even some professionals assume that if you have a mental illness, you don't drive? Or in my case, it was assumed I couldn't learn?