[Llama_Llama44]

This is something I think about pretty regularly, and I wondered if others think about this, too.

The concept of privilege (and also gratitude) are certainly valid and have their place. I feel privileged in a lot of ways (e.g. I live in a first-world country, I have access to mental and physical health care).

I try to be aware of this, and I know that I have it better than so many people, including many others on this forum who may not have access to mental health care, are struggling with worse mental health issues than I am, are trapped in an unhealthy or unsafe situation, etc.

At the same time, this awareness always brings some level of anxiety...if I am so privileged, what right to I have to get help?, how can my struggles be valid?, etc.

My logical self knows that this is a fallacy. And I know that one can be privileged in many ways while being less privileged in other ways. Even the most extreme pain or suffering does not negate privilege. There will likely always be others worse-off than you or me (and better-off). That doesn't actually MEAN anything about your suffering though.

My general conclusions are that it is good to be aware of what you DO have, but that it is not helpful to use this to "punish" yourself. This is easier said than done, however.

So, what are your thoughts? Can this thought process be helpful? Does it bring more harm than good? How do you balance this way of thinking in everyday life? Do you use this thought to "punish" or "torture" yourself, too? How do you keep from doing that?

Please refrain from responses of the nature "my life is worse than everyone else's and I don't believe I am privileged in any way". I understand that some people feel that way, especially when in great pain, but I'm interested in responses from those who are able to think about this critically.

[Aviza]

I know I'm privileged but I don't think about it every day because I think about where I want to be more than where I am. I have a wonderful family who supports me in many ways. I just have to not rock the boat to keep their support. I have disability and because of my work I have more money than just working full-time was doing for me, so the fact I qualify for disability and can work some is awesome! I know that meds work for me and not for everyone some don't work for me so I know I'm lucky they found one that really does. I'm happy, healthy, and have a pretty good life going compared to where I was a year ago.

[Llama_Llama44]

Originally Posted by Aviza

I know I'm privileged but I don't think about it every day because I think about where I want to be more than where I am. I have a wonderful family who supports me in many ways. I just have to not rock the boat to keep their support. I have disability and because of my work I have more money than just working full-time was doing for me, so the fact I qualify for disability and can work some is awesome! I know that meds work for me and not for everyone some don't work for me so I know I'm lucky they found one that really does. I'm happy, healthy, and have a pretty good life going compared to where I was a year ago.

Thanks for your reply. Do you not think about it every day because it would be counter productive? Or just because it doesn't come up?

[Wild Coyote]

Even though I have several treatment resistant conditions, I feel I have been very privileged in access to care. Recent changes in access, as well as stories shared here, help me to realize just how fortunate I have been.

I am more fortunate than some and less fortunate than others.

My struggles are valid and I don't feel guilty about seeking help... due to feeling privileged.


WC

[*Laurie*]

To me, one thing has absolutely nothing to do with the other. Privileged or not so, we need to care for our minds, bodies, and spirits.

[ArchieAus]

No one should feel guilty that they live in an advanced ( quite often Western ) society that can afford to support and assist individuals who need assistance . Some gratitude is never a bad thing , but that gratitude should be directed to the many generations who have worked to produce the way of life and values we have today .Only people who feel entitled to that assistance are they ones who should feel guilty .
For now our societies can continue to operate this way . In the future with an aging population and increasing welfare base things might be different . But I hope not .

Originally Posted by Llama_Llama44

This is something I think about pretty regularly, and I wondered if others think about this, too.

The concept of privilege (and also gratitude) are certainly valid and have their place. I feel privileged in a lot of ways (e.g. I live in a first-world country, I have access to mental and physical health care).

I try to be aware of this, and I know that I have it better than so many people, including many others on this forum who may not have access to mental health care, are struggling with worse mental health issues than I am, are trapped in an unhealthy or unsafe situation, etc.

At the same time, this awareness always brings some level of anxiety...if I am so privileged, what right to I have to get help?, how can my struggles be valid?, etc.

My logical self knows that this is a fallacy. And I know that one can be privileged in many ways while being less privileged in other ways. Even the most extreme pain or suffering does not negate privilege. There will likely always be others worse-off than you or me (and better-off). That doesn't actually MEAN anything about your suffering though.

My general conclusions are that it is good to be aware of what you DO have, but that it is not helpful to use this to "punish" yourself. This is easier said than done, however.

So, what are your thoughts? Can this thought process be helpful? Does it bring more harm than good? How do you balance this way of thinking in everyday life? Do you use this thought to "punish" or "torture" yourself, too? How do you keep from doing that?

Please refrain from responses of the nature "my life is worse than everyone else's and I don't believe I am privileged in any way". I understand that some people feel that way, especially when in great pain, but I'm interested in responses from those who are able to think about this critically.

Actually sounds well
I have some privilege to live in a silent neighborhood
But our low social skills can be a havoc
Still hate the discrimination about the mental health field and that in truth, people are more equal than I am because of their better mental health
Makes me actually hate them, real bad

[Shazerac]

There is so much buzz on social media about privilege being a bad thing that we should be ashamed of. I don’t think it’s helping anyone. Anyone anywhere can usually figure out someone who is worse of than them. Putting guilt on yourself for being “better off” than others is not condusive to peace of mind and mental health. We all have our own issues to deal with and our pain is no less valid if we are “privileged.”

[chrissyh23]

Originally Posted by Llama_Llama44

This is something I think about pretty regularly, and I wondered if others think about this, too.

The concept of privilege (and also gratitude) are certainly valid and have their place. I feel privileged in a lot of ways (e.g. I live in a first-world country, I have access to mental and physical health care).

I try to be aware of this, and I know that I have it better than so many people, including many others on this forum who may not have access to mental health care, are struggling with worse mental health issues than I am, are trapped in an unhealthy or unsafe situation, etc.

At the same time, this awareness always brings some level of anxiety...if I am so privileged, what right to I have to get help?, how can my struggles be valid?, etc.

My logical self knows that this is a fallacy. And I know that one can be privileged in many ways while being less privileged in other ways. Even the most extreme pain or suffering does not negate privilege. There will likely always be others worse-off than you or me (and better-off). That doesn't actually MEAN anything about your suffering though.

My general conclusions are that it is good to be aware of what you DO have, but that it is not helpful to use this to "punish" yourself. This is easier said than done, however.

So, what are your thoughts? Can this thought process be helpful? Does it bring more harm than good? How do you balance this way of thinking in everyday life? Do you use this thought to "punish" or "torture" yourself, too? How do you keep from doing that?

Please refrain from responses of the nature "my life is worse than everyone else's and I don't believe I am privileged in any way". I understand that some people feel that way, especially when in great pain, but I'm interested in responses from those who are able to think about this critically.

I think you should look more happily on the life you have. I mean yes you do have things wrong but look at the bigger picture. There are so many things to be thankful for from a beautiful uniquely colored pebble to the amazing sunset with so many colors the beauty in that one sunset it awe inspiring. The things you have in your life you should never feel guilt or anxiety over. Everything you have is what you were meant to have. Its yours. No one is suffering because you have it. No one is thinking they deserve it more. No you are the one that is supposed to have those things so instead of feeling bad look at what you have and allow yourself to feel happiness slowing run through body. Look at what you have and smile because you do and allow your heart to fill with gratitude. Just never begin to feel like you deserve things. That opens a whole different can of worms. Lol!

[Candy1955]

I think we heavily misuse the word 'privilege'. What you are discussing are blessings, or maybe if you don't have faith, then blind luck. Unless some of you are millionaires who inherited your wealth, I don't see privilege anywhere, and therefore no cause for guilt. Compassion yes, guilt no.

[smartin]

I do think about this as well, especially when mental health stigmas come around. I have bipolar depression, with generalized anxiety, aspergers and each of these factors are viewed differently. In relation to privilege I come from a financially stable family and my friends keep on saying that I should keep on seeking help and they say that my parents are able to pay for it, thus I should be go to and seek help, but I rely my parents for financial support. This becomes a huge problem when my parents don't believe that mental illness exists, especially not with individuals who are privileged.

[WasabiAlmonds]

While it's good to be grateful for our privileges, or whatever we want to call them, gratitude can also be a way to rationalize our situation when it's important to improve it.

Maybe you are privileged, but that doesn't make what you're going through any less special or important. You're a human, and no matter how many needs you may have met, you still have needs. It's okay to express those needs.

To say otherwise is to imply there's some zero-sum of needs getting met. If some get their needs met then that means others cannot get their needs met. If we all work together, then getting our needs met helps others to get theirs met.

[Llama_Llama44]

Originally Posted by WasabiAlmonds

To say otherwise is to imply there's some zero-sum of needs getting met. If some get their needs met then that means others cannot get their needs met. If we all work together, then getting our needs met helps others to get theirs met.

Hmm well said

[eskielover]

I feel blessed mor than priviledged. Where I lived in Calif, I had MH care for 13 years that was totally useless. I moved to a small town 2100 miles away leaving a bad marriage & I found the most outstanding help I have ever experienced.

We can be in places whete help is available BUT it can be either poor help or we are just really not at a point in our life situation where it can help.

Why in the world would I want to punish myself for finally getting back to a place where I can function & now even at 65, excell in ways I was never able to before in my life even though I had my BS degree & a 15 year career as a computer design engineer before the MH siruational issues hit HARD. It just leaves me thankful everyday & I live each day to my fullest in thanks for the life I now have back & even more than before.

[rvreenaverma1]

I am surfying from dipression and insomania. What we do for recovery.