Are people with anxiety disorder or depression "weak"?

I'm afraid you were misinformed. 1st: ADD/ADHD is a neurobiological disorder. 2nd: I am diagnosed w/ADD; Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD); and Treatment Resistant Severe Depression. I have attempted suicide and am a survivor. I fight the beast within daily. I will never give up, ever; in my quest for Wellness. Those that give up are weak, because that is what the beast feeds on. Those that attempt suicide are not in control, the beast is. Thus, many end up as statistics. But those that survive are strong & fighters. Normal people that complain all the time are "weak" not us. Sincerely, Sniper

Well, I know from my own personal experience in the past, I've used my mental illness for effect. I've often wondered how my husband just gets on and copes with life and I don't. But then again he hasn't had my life experiences. I won't say that we are special deserving cases either. I hate hiding behind my lifes experiences and was determined to change that. I guess I am a bit prone to rebel against those that are struggling but sit in rather than do somethign to help themselves, I do see a lot of people milking their situations. I think a lot of people could fair a lot better, but then again Ive not had every body elses life experiences and can only talk about myself. Theres a lot of drama in mental illness, I've witnessed, Ive witness the system being milked and people walking away laughing at what they've managed to get away with, but then again maybe their life experiences have taught them to do that??? I wont stand up with totall blind loyalty to the mentally ill, but I will say I have seen some of the strongest amongst the mentally ill adn some of the weakest, just like life really I guess??

WEAK, Nah, I don't think so... we are just the nervous types.
Mostly good and gentle, not wanting to see or hear about bad things. We take things too personally and are generally worriers. Can't control the way we think so, that in itself is not a weakness. We can't control our thinking any more than someone can eat a box of exlax and not have to use the restroom.

Physically, I am very strong. I'm in great shape. At nearing 51 I can run 3 miles in 22 minutes and do over 100 situps in 2 minutes and do 75 push ups per day.

So, what kind of weakness are we discussing here?

I have BP and mild OCD, probably throw a little GAD in there. If I heard someone say that, I'd probably talk to him in private first. There is a lot of public ignorance when it comes to mental health. I corrected my boss when he misused the term schizophrenia. Anyway, I would explain the truth to them as best as I could, and also let them know that it is offensive to call people "weak". If I heard him ever say it again, I'd take him outside and throw him in the dumpster. Then we'll see if he thinks I'm weak.

It's really an amazing point you brought up. I'm still tossed about this. My dad battles bipolar, I'm sure my mom has depression as well but just hasn't been diagnosed and my husband seems to think this is something I can control. Is he right? I'd love to think he is but I'm not so sure...

I worry more about the people who say they have no mental issues but how they act contradict what they say but they want to put it all on the one who's willing to go and get help and try to be a better person. The ones who won't admit they've got problems and don't seek solutions nor help are the ones who are weak!

I sometimes feel "weak" when I'm losing the battle against bipolar depression. I've had the suicide attempts, but my pdoc says I'm very strong for going through a horrible childhood & working hard to get a good quality of life despite the bipolar.

When you think about it, working towards getting well is a hard thing to do & does take strength & perseverance. It might be easier to just get doped up so you don't feel anything, but is that any way to live?--Suzy

GRRRRRRRR!!!! Hear what I'm saying? GRRRRRRR!!!!

(Not you, Suzy, I was refering to my post above yours.)

Hi babybunny!

Your husband's thoughts/attitude toward your Depression are common: SO WRONG!.Mental Illness/depression ARE NOT a sign of weakness. They are Medical conditions, just like heart disease. asthma, hypertension, arthrits etc.

If we could control Depression & anxiety etc by ourselves wouldn't we be DOING IT? Why would anyone ever want to STAY in a Depression?

At your Dr's office-or any walk in clinic there are pamphlets, info sheets etc about Mental Illnesses..depression etc. Pick a few up & ask your husband to read them or just leave them visible so he can read them at his own pace.

Another option, if you are both comfortable with this: ask your PDoc or GP to meet with both of you & ask your Doctor to explain depression to your husband. Or he can book an appt (with your permission) to talk to the DR. alone.

Depression is an invisible illness...and it is diffult for "lay people" to understand. Many people carry distorted views carried on from their parents views of mental illness. It's time for your husband to pull up to the Medical facts on Depression "Learning table" so he is able to understand, help & accept your illness.

Hope my post helps you, baby bunny.

Grace03

I agree. It's not "weak" to have a mental illness. I'm sure if any of us were magically given the chance to have it go away for ever, we'd take it without a second thought. There's no choice in it for us though.

If you're losing the fight against depression or whatever, it doesn't mean you're necessarily weak, just that the force you're struggling against is stronger.....

I don't think anyone who tries to fight back is weak. And everyone here, by virtue of their presence on PC, is taking steps to win their individual battles.

-Meander