Manifesto of a Non-compliant Mental Patient

Appears there is a dilemma.

I believe pachaderm might be saying, "live and let live"

In that case, I agree.

I was saying something like that -- IF you can do it. I have found I need others, some others, ones I view as "authorities", to be "correct", but that need is decreasing a lot. I no longer have as much a need to take what other people say so seriously now, when they disagree with me. I have more confidence in my own judgements, and need agreement with others less. So when they say things that I disagree with, I am not as troubled as I once was. I can let them be "wrong" (as I see it) without having to argue about it, even in my own head.

I think the whole idea of 'right or wrong' is the problem spot. I do beleive in concensus building and working towards agreement. I don't think we do enough of that at any level of our lives. I think to pursue agreement shows confidence. If you are willing to debate without needing to be right than learning will happen. Growth and change can happen when we are asking not when we are telling.

My effort, though it may not always seem evident is to try to understand the different views to the same problem. I have historically been very stubborn with my views. I argued to be right more than I saught to learn. I am trying to flip that table. I am trying to listen and learn. I figure as long as there are people who see things differently to me the more opportunity I have to learn. Not only to learn about the issue itself but to learn to respect and appreciate the diversity of world views.

I am tired of arguing right or wrong. I don't need to be right anymore. I just want to be heard and to give others the same opportunity so that together we can, if we choose to engage, determine a solution to any disagreement we face.

One of my favorite concepts; "I know what I know."

But don't you know that you as crazy person lack insight and need others to tell you what you feel and think and what is good for you?

I know some people say that, but I am not too concerned with their saying it.

People have told me I am insane. During a period of lucidity, I put on a card I carry in my wallet not to let others define me. The only problem is when insane I do not understand what is meant on the card.

I personally think that this is progress pachyderm. But, ofcourse, that is coming from me and what I struggle with which is PTSD. And for me and my personal history this is my goal and not an easy feet for the way I struggle with my PTSD.

Open Eyes

I can relate to this as well di meliora. The one thing I have learned in struggling with my own mental illness is that often others who truely do not understand my personal struggle CAN be quite cruel and quickly judgemental. It can be such a challenge and even exhausting and frustrating.

I DO try to have a mental card to remind me that YES others who do not personally experience what I struggle with will often disrespectfully provoke me and trigger me and continue to be ignorant.
But yes, my mental illness in these situations CAN overcome me and I CAN respond poorly and often I CAN be further crippled and even dibilitated and extremely troubled. And when that happens I can truely be hard on myself and get very frustrated.

I try to remember that at least we are living in a time where there is more known about mental illnesses/disorders and at least I CAN continue to learn and seek guidance and even support from others that are more respectful and knowledgable about my personal struggle. Because the truth is often those that truely do not understand and ARE ignorant can be very CRUEL.

My constant recomendation for anyone who suffers is to seek support from others that understand their personal stuggle and do their best to remember Yes, there will be those that through their own ignorance can and will be cruel and can make it even more challenging in the efforts to recover and function around our mental illness/disorder.

Open Eyes