Why is this?

This is something that I've noticed in my family and marriage. When I'm having problems, it's like they treat me with kid gloves. They don't want to tell me anything upsetting or worry me in any way. They tell me to get more sleep, eat better, rest, etc.

When I'm doing well--like now--suddenly I'm the "strong one". I'm the one who can take everything on. I'm the one my parents come to about problems with my brother and life in general. My husband quits helping me out around the house and totally leaves everything up to me. If he's stressed out about money or whatever I have to be the strong one who isn't worried.

I'm not complaining--I just find it interesting. Anyone else notice this?

yes I notice

Yup. When the symptoms aren't obvious, we must be well, right?

Yup. And it would be wonderful with there were a happy medium to it.

I don't really get the kid gloves treatment, so I wouldn't really know - I just get extra hugs when I'm all mopey and sad. Because I demand them.

Yes, I get this too. I think it's a pretty normal reaction. It's the same reaction we have to people who are physically sick, and then when they are seemingly better we back off a bit. It can seem a bit frustrating, but I am sure the people who are doing have good intentions.

Personally, I like the kids gloves treatment when I am ill, because I probably need it. And I don't get the kid glove treatment unless things are really really bad. And not in the form of help around the house. But it is nice to know people care, and that they can see I am not well, verses being blind to that. It also makes it easier for me to reach out for help.

Well I wouldnt mind the baby treatment every now and then. I have been in a deep depression for a while now. I cant muster up the energy to take a shower right now and as i look around at all the meeses my teenage kids have made and all the laundry and dishes that are left for me i feel even worse. Its expected of me every day bc i cant work anymore but i just cant get up to do it. So i let them down quite often, they just dont understand i guess. My husband gets upset sometimes but i dont know what to do about it i just cant do it no matter how hard i try.