This may seem like an odd question. And I'm sure it won't get a yes from members with the more difficult organic illnesses such as Schizophrenia.
I know that my depression and anxiety issues, particularly the depression, has had positive impacts. Not exactly in my life per se but as a human.
I think I have much more compassion and tolerance for people than I did before depression. I think that it's given me much more depth of soul despite the negative impacts it's had on my life. I'm sure that without depression I would have had a much more successful life if success is defined as fame and fortune.
Explaining that would take too much time and space here so I'll just leave it at that.
Anyone else have any thoughts on how your MI may have had positive effects?

Originally Posted by George H.

This may seem like an odd question. And I'm sure it won't get a yes from members with the more difficult organic illnesses such as Schizophrenia.
I know that my depression and anxiety issues, particularly the depression, has had positive impacts. Not exactly in my life per se but as a human.
I think I have much more compassion and tolerance for people than I did before depression. I think that it's given me much more depth of soul despite the negative impacts it's had on my life. I'm sure that without depression I would have had a much more successful life if success is defined as fame and fortune.
Explaining that would take too much time and space here so I'll just leave it at that.
Anyone else have any thoughts on how your MI may have had positive effects?

It lead me to come to this website and learn about others with mental illnesses, and also how to look at our physical realm of the world in a more merciful way.

[HealingTimes]

My experience hasn't been all bad. It has led me to meet some lovely people.
My best friend is someone i met online. We were both in the depths of really horrid (are there any other types??) eating disorders and depression.
She is now fully recovered and i am well on my way.
It has also made me appreciate life more.
It's also helped me regards to knowing what i want to do as a career.

[Grey Matter]

It has caused me to become more open minded. It has shown me the stigma and how I can fight it. It also taught me how to understand not only others better, but myself.

[cool09]

Yes, it never stops. Even when I don't bother anyone, stay out of other's business, etc. I get people (distant acquaintances and/or neighbors) who feel offended and give me bad looks or want to get under my skin because I don't conform or meet their expectations. People are insane and narrow-minded with their philosophies and spiritual beliefs.

[Patagonia]

I'd love to be able to meet the person I would be w/o mental illness. I can't even imagine. I can say that one positive thing is I can't be mean to people bec I have too much empathy for others.

[spondiferous]

I know it has definitely strengthened me. And expanded my capacity for patience and compassion for others, which is something I struggle with at times. Most times.

[IowaFarmGal]

This is a hard one. I'd say largely yes. It's difficult to pick out strengths or know who I would have been without this all my life.

[winter4me]

I surely would have had less empathy, and, I think, a more superficial life...

i'd say about 90 percent bad.

but most of that is due to how i was baught up, what support i could get, etc

[MoxieDoxie]

Weird.......it has not given me empathy and compassion for others. I am more judgmental as a matter of fact. Almost like the attitude a reformed smoker has.

[splitimage]

It's made me more open minded and empathetic towards other people with MH issues. And it's prompted me to start speaking out as a consumer, which allowed me to get on the advisory board of my psych hospital. I also feel I've been really lucky and received great treatment from almost all my care providers.

splitimage

[lizardlady]

If I'd answered this in the depth of my depression I would've said it was 100% bad. Now I believe there have been some positive outcomes. In part it lead me to my current profession, which I'm dang good at. As others have said, it's helped me be more empathtic. Mainly, everything I've gone through in life lead to the person I am today. I would not have said this in my past, but I like the person I am today. I am someone I would like to know. While I did not enjoy my MH stuff while I was struggling (heck I don't like the struggle now) it all contributed to who I am today. If I didn't face those struggles I wouldn't be who I am today. So, that's a positive.

Good question George. I believe it helps us to stop and consider the positives in life.

[Citrine]

George, every word you said, is the same as I think too. If depression and anxiety is mother of how I think and see and feel the way I do, then thats fine, though sometimes unbearably painful.