I Get It

I get why I hate my family's "Mind over matter" policy so damn much. It's not just insulting and ignorant. It's because I'm always trying to do it and "concur" my different illnesses with that same mindset. I invalidate myself daily. "Who needs meds for BP, I can control myself just fine." "PTSD, I need to shove that **** down where it belongs." "Therapy? What do I need to talk about my feelings for? I'm fine if I say I'm fine."
I already do this crap to myself. When they say it, it validates this already existing train of thought and invalidates the thoughts that agree I need some help. I wish they'd stop saying it. Then maybe I can, too. Maybe I have to do it first, I don't know. Either way, it needs to stop.

Don't listen to them. You're strong, you can do it

'Mind over matter' - ridiculous. You can no more unthink, or overpower, your mental illness than someone can unthink a broken leg.

Well said, don't have anything to add

Totally agree.

"Mind over matter" annoys me. I have a chemical imbalance in my brain. Like I have a chemical imbalance in my liver or pancreas. I can't unthink diabetes or liver disease.

There is a reason its called mental illness. One reason is it is an illness. The other is its a brain disease that effects either thought, mood or levels of anxiety or all three in various levels, combinations. MI is just as much an illnesss as physical ones. BTW 21 Pilots is my most favorite band. Love those guys.

You're right. "Our brains are sick but that's okay," -Twenty One Pilots, 'Fake You Out'. Yeah, they're pretty awesome.

Everyone here is right. Thank you.

I hate that saying too "mind over matter" (I had forgotten it was one of the .... favourite sayings )

I agree with what everyone else has said

my family - and I - benefited from a family sit-down with my psychiatric team at the hospital.My daughter wasn't available as she's across the country. But, my psychiatrist has encouraged me to bring her to a session if she is ever in town and available.

As a contact person for my Mood Disorder Support Group I field calls from upset or enquiring family members looking for information, or to have their own fears soothed. We encourage people new to the group to bring a support person to a meeting with them. From the feedback we get, it is generally quite helpful.

Yes, on occasion we get a beligerent flippant individual reluctant to attend. A bit of a downer to us all but the usual thing is that they settle down during the course of the evening and often even begin to ask questions in earnest.

The hospital and Health Region have a weekly information session for friends and family members regarding mood disorders. We are fortunate enough that they can arrange an in-home consultation.

Perhaps such resources exist in your own community

Another wealth of help and information would be your local Mental Health Association. They can help you with having 'that' talk with your family and possibly even have a member present with you when you do so.

If it was as simple as "mind over matter" I wouldn't still be in therapy after decades, nor would I be on so many meds.

I take my diabetes meds, I take my bipolar meds. I don't see a difference.