How is it we are so strong and yet still weak?

How is it we are so strong because of what we are going through and yet we are viewed (by others and ourselves) as weak for that same reason?
The amount of strength just to get out of bed and do the things that must be done on a daily basis show's how strong we are.

The dichotomy is explained by differences in mental-emotional states. Someone who's psychologically suffering, like yourself, knows and recognizes that they're strong because DESPITE their painful state of mind they still somehow function reasonably in the world.

Those not afflicted by such painful psychological states of mind, or who have never been in a place like that, don't have a personal reference frame to that horrible world but only see in people afflicted with depression or anxiety, etc someone who's complaining or feels bad because, they think, the person is weak.

Well, for most people that stuff is pretty easy since they do it regularly.. but obviosuly they don't have MI, so they won't understand.

As an (ahem) older person who has dealt with depression and other issues my whole life, I found that I had reserves of strength I didn't know I had until the time came to find them. Many times I dealt with trials I never would have thought I could, and stay sane. I think it is inherent in our will to live, no matter how miserable we think we are, to struggle to survive and save ourselves.
No one who has not had to face these kinds of issues would understand at all. No amount of book learning or talking to MI sufferers can make a person really know what it's like. To them we can look weak and like we aren't even trying, but we have to overlook their opinions, as that is just what they are. It's an ignorant person who thinks they know all when they haven't walked a mile in your shoes.

Every day you wake up is another victory over your MI. Remember, you are a survivor.

You're right. We are strong. We're warriors for making it through another day much less getting out of bed. I look at some people (not all just an ignorant few) and think to myself how lucky they are not to have it because they'd fold in a second.

Humpty, thank you for starting this thread, it is just what I needed today