Walked On

What do you do when your walked on by people that look down on you because they think your sub humann because you suffer from a mental illness? The other day and neighbor called me over to the fence because he wanted to ask me a question about a tool that I was using to cut branches and another person who is an extended family member walked over and interrupted the conversation while I was in mid-sentence and I was left standing there until finally I walked away. I sent him an email and told them how offend that I was and instead of responding to me he complain to his mother that I spoke like that to him. I was kind with my words just letting him know that what he did was rude but he didn't care. I was burning with anger all night and barely slept. But I did say one thing that if it happens again I'm not going to walk away and that I will confront him immediately on the spot even if I caused him embarrassment. I shouldn't have to step down just because I suffer from a mental illness.

I think it's really hard with family members. If your extended family is like mine, the amount of drama between everyone is really unbelievable and difficult to wade through.

I'm sorry that you went through this though. I get talked over a lot too, even at work, and it makes me feel like people just don't care or value what I have to say. I've tried to be more assertive (so in your case, saying something like: "Excuse me, I've got this!" though I've seen some people say things like, "I wasn't finished!" (i.e. talking)) - but I haven't had much luck with that, as I'm not great at bursting in when others are talking, even when they do it to me.

Maybe the best thing to would have been to either hang around until he stopped talking, then pick up your conversation with the neighbor (you could always start with, "As I was saying...") or try to catch up with your neighbor later when your relative isn't around (assuming you want to be friendly with them).

Just some thoughts... I wish I had better suggestions!

It threw me off mentally and if I stayed I would have not been able to contineafter he left. I need to avoid him. He is a bully and threatened me physically a couple years ago. His mother, my wife sides with him because that is her baby boy. No win situation. For safety sake I will no longer be around him. Every dog has its day. The only thing I want now is to find a way to let my anger subside. Being angry will only hurt me. It seems to hard to let go. But I try. I really do.