[xmascarol]

I don't know about anyone here but why do some people who dont have a mental illness make stupid remarks about the ones who do? I get so sick of hearing me are looneys or a mental case.Worse one yet is being called crazy or nuts.my mom called me crazy a few times but then again she never really understood my problem hey even my own kids make remarks. Don't these people seem to realize that a mental illness is also a physical one? Cause it effects the brain.It just makes me so mad and upset whenever someone makes fun of us.Dont they seem to realize we have feelings too.I was told once by a friend of mine that my fear is stupid.I have a major problem with my hot water heater runs I get so anxious it develops into a panic attack ,however I fixed that mighty fast,I got a set of headphones and put them into my radio so whenever that noise runs I wont have to hear it.The loud humming noise is what bothers me.She said it was a stupid fear.I dont make fun of her fears.Sometime I think people say things before they open there mouths,I happen to know that people who suffer from a mental illness are the most caring and the kindest people in the world.I hate it when someone says whenever something bad happens that person must have had a mental illness.Like committing a murder not everyone who commits a crime has a mental illness,They treat us like we dont have a brain in our heads and we certainly dont get any respect .For me I have anxieties with a panic disorder, bipolar,depression,and a mood disorder.Also suffer wiith agoraphobia oh ya people seem to think that is strange too.I get so sick and tired of having to explain myself to people,like why cant I go out,well frankly because I am scared.I know I am not normal but I do try to do my best.Oh ya also get the shakes to sometimes.I take my meds everyday sometimes they work and other times no.I just feel like people should learn more about mental illness before they cut us down.

[WishfulThinker66]

I can't stand when people refer to something as 'crazy'.

I can't stand memes that are intended as funny that make light of mental illness.

[*Laurie*]

I believe the mental illness stigma comes from a time way back in history when mental illness was viewed as either a character flaw that a person could will away, or just plain fear of anyone who showed symptoms of mental illness. The stigma seems to persist. I really can't understand why it doesn't go away - except that many people still don't truly understand mental illness.

[Calla lily12]

It comes either from fear or ignorance. Just my opinion.

[Nammu]

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

I believe the mental illness stigma comes from a time way back in history when mental illness was viewed as either a character flaw that a person could will away, or just plain fear of anyone who showed symptoms of mental illness. The stigma seems to persist. I really can't understand why it doesn't go away - except that many people still don't truly understand mental illness.

The media perpetuates the myths and misinformation. Any time something horrific happens the first thing they do is insinuate that it was either mental illness or terrorist actions. Fear mongering to sell papers. Oh sure every once in a blue moon there will be friendly articles on how those with MI are misunderstood and underserved, but those usually get limited coverage.

[xmascarol]

Originally Posted by Calla lily12

It comes either from fear or ignorance. Just my opinion.

I agree with everyone here still there is no excuse for there rudeness we couldnt make fun of some ones physical illness then why poke fun of mental illness I use to tell people go and read a book.People are not educated enough about mental illnesses.Still doesnt excuse there actions towards us.

[xmascarol]

Originally Posted by Calla lily12

It comes either from fear or ignorance. Just my opinion.

I love your unicorn pix

[luvyrself]

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

I believe the mental illness stigma comes from a time way back in history when mental illness was viewed as either a character flaw that a person could will away, or just plain fear of anyone who showed symptoms of mental illness. The stigma seems to persist. I really can't understand why it doesn't go away - except that many people still don't truly understand mental illness.

—-yes I think the ignorance came from a former time when scientists didn’t know this is physical. Now we do know that but it is complicated to control. So people don’t know how to react to it and that makes people fearful. There are so many variations of MI also. Kudos to you for creating discussion about stigma and for belonging to NAMI which fights stigma. Thanks to the celebs who have come out to fight stigma and educate people. NAMI also has family groups that help educate families.

[Blueberrybook]

Originally Posted by Nammu

The media perpetuates the myths and misinformation. Any time something horrific happens the first thing they do is insinuate that it was either mental illness or terrorist actions. Fear mongering to sell papers. Oh sure every once in a blue moon there will be friendly articles on how those with MI are misunderstood and underserved, but those usually get limited coverage.

This exactly. Look how they blame only mental illness for all the school shootings in the U.S. But they NEVER bring up the gender issue. With very few exceptions, it's always males. When I pointed this out when someone brought it up on Nextdoor after a school shooting, I got called a "crazy feminist".

That Nextdoor post got even worse when someone said everyone who has ever had a mental illness or taken a "mind-altering drug" (by this he clearly meant psych drugs and not street drugs) belong on a government watch list. Excuse me?! I don't even own a gun, but even if I did, I definitely do NOT want to find myself on any sort of creepy government watchlist. I don't know anyone who would. And I'm sure that info could get leaked out or hacked; potential employers could see it, etc. When I pointed out that alcohol is a "mind-altering" substance and that in that case anyone who drinks alcohol or has even had a DUI or DWI should go on that list too, oh, they really let me have it.

Such a double standard. This is one of my huge personal soapboxes, to be sure.

[BanPudding]

Originally Posted by cln1812

This exactly. Look how they blame only mental illness for all the school shootings in the U.S. But they NEVER bring up the gender issue. With very few exceptions, it's always males. When I pointed this out when someone brought it up on Nextdoor after a school shooting, I got called a "crazy feminist".

That Nextdoor post got even worse when someone said everyone who has ever had a mental illness or taken a "mind-altering drug" (by this he clearly meant psych drugs and not street drugs) belong on a government watch list. Excuse me?! I don't even own a gun, but even if I did, I definitely do NOT want to find myself on any sort of creepy government watchlist. I don't know anyone who would. And I'm sure that info could get leaked out or hacked; potential employers could see it, etc. When I pointed out that alcohol is a "mind-altering" substance and that in that case anyone who drinks alcohol or has even had a DUI or DWI should go on that list too, oh, they really let me have it.

Such a double standard. This is one of my huge personal soapboxes, to be sure.

Shootings and general violence are always pretty complex. I would say that shooters are often products of their environment and their own physical condition. Gender does play a role but it's more a small part of a larger picture. No doubt that there are more males than females committing shootings but that's because in general, men commit more crime. Men, generally speaking, are more aggressive and that's not a bad thing, either. But if you look into the lives of a lot of these young men, you'll notice a pattern; abusive/absent/neglectful parent(s), getting bullied at school, few no zero positive adult figures, lack of success with work or women, feeling isolated, etc. Not saying that women don't experience these issues, far from it, but from what I've seen, men and women, in general, respond differently to these issues.


Violence like that goes beyond just guns, video games, and anything else people love to blame by themselves. I disagree with those people calling you a "crazy feminist", you were just pointing out another factor. Hopefully I didn't step on anyone's toes there.

[xmascarol]

Originally Posted by cln1812

This exactly. Look how they blame only mental illness for all the school shootings in the U.S. But they NEVER bring up the gender issue. With very few exceptions, it's always males. When I pointed this out when someone brought it up on Nextdoor after a school shooting, I got called a "crazy feminist".

That Nextdoor post got even worse when someone said everyone who has ever had a mental illness or taken a "mind-altering drug" (by this he clearly meant psych drugs and not street drugs) belong on a government watch list. Excuse me?! I don't even own a gun, but even if I did, I definitely do NOT want to find myself on any sort of creepy government watchlist. I don't know anyone who would. And I'm sure that info could get leaked out or hacked; potential employers could see it, etc. When I pointed out that alcohol is a "mind-altering" substance and that in that case anyone who drinks alcohol or has even had a DUI or DWI should go on that list too, oh, they really let me have it.

Such a double standard. This is one of my huge personal soapboxes, to be sure.

They do every time someone kill someone oh that person has a mental illness.Not all the time .just look at that school shooting in texas they did nothing to prevent this kind of thing from happening.They said the kid who did it was mentally ill.so just because he was mentally ill doesnt mean everybody is.Tell us this if the school knew he had some kind of problem then why didnt they immediately go to the police.Guess they didnt want to get involved with the mentally ill.I am mentally ill but there is no way in h -ll that I would go out in kill some one,all of the people who I have know to have a mental illness are very kind and caring but they forget to mention that.Recently Days Of Our Lives had a story of a woman who had a split personality she had two alters,the story was good but what the writers did was inexcusable ,they called her looney a mental case and some other choice words I dont want to get into.Even though the story was good calling people names is just childess.It is a putdown towards us.We dont need any name calling or to be laughed at.My friend doesnt even have a mental illness and she says it is cruel the way people treat the mentally ill.No more name calling.When ever my mom said something stupid I would tell her to go and read a book about it she said she didnt want to because she is afraid she may get it.Mental illness is not catchy.I dont think the doctors themselves really understand what a mental illness is.See I have this terrible fear of zombies and when I told my shrink that he just laughed and asked me if I saw any.In any case if anyone needs to talk I am here for you.

[CantExplain]

We are still paying the price for two world wars.

[xmascarol]

Instead of putting us down they should learn more about a mental illness,I dont understand my friend she gets mad when someone says we are loony crazy stuff like that but when we went to watch a movie she asked me if this girl who by the way put in a insane asylum was a looney I got mad I said no she is just ill.I dont care if she liked it or not,why should I have to hold back.I get so sick and tired of being walked on.All of my life I have been stepped on and I am sick of it.Doesnt help any when you have a mental illness,I guess they think we are stupid .I am tired of having to repeat myself to doctors they just dont get my illness either,oh they say they do but they dont. ON a better note I do hope everyone here is alright today I am sending you my love and hugs. A hug will never hurt anybody.

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

I believe the mental illness stigma comes from a time way back in history when mental illness was viewed as either a character flaw that a person could will away, or just plain fear of anyone who showed symptoms of mental illness. The stigma seems to persist. I really can't understand why it doesn't go away - except that many people still don't truly understand mental illness.

Yes, I agree that a primitive fear response drives a lot of negative response toward mental illness. Even with greater public awareness of certain mental health issues, the ignorant stereotypes still persist and I partly blame it on the entertainment industry and news media. Sensationalism sells, ( I'm definitely not making light of any shooting tragedies), and mental illness has long been a scary boogie man, so to speak. Playing up that angle to make a news story more "juicy" may draw in more viewers. It's very frustrating, to say the least.

[xmascarol]

people need to learn more about mental illness.I don't see why they seem to be so ignorant when it comes to having a mental illness.How would they like it if someone made fun of them?I am pretty sure they wouldnt like it at all.I have had this crummy mental illness for over 40 years now,You know when it gets worse when you are sick or have health problems then my anxieties sky rocket. I develop a panic attack just had one yesterday.It is just plain awful.Bless everyone here if you ever need to talk I hope you know you can talk to me,I know with this illness I do feel all alone no family to listen to me since my mom passed about two months ago GOd do I ever miss her.My kids think I am nuts . That is why I came here to get some support and to help anyone if I can.I love helping people

[xmascarol]

Just today I was watching my show and they referred to this woman who had a split personality as a nut job I am sorry but I did not appreciate that at all and I am sick and tired of hearing people say that we use our mental illness as an excuse for anything we do,we dont need to use anything people need to get a life.it makes me so mad

[PattycakePancake]

So similar. If something makes a weird noise, I automatically think it's going to blow up. During my first psychotic break when I was 14ish, I debated on telling my family what was wrong. It happened whenever my cousin was over for the summer. I was afraid of what they would say because stigma is bad, but also at the time I definitely didn't think anyone would believe me because I didn't think it was me being psychotic since I legitimately thought I was possessed. My cousin convinced me to say something. I'm embarrassed about it. If someone asks my dx I say depression now because I learned people get freaked out if I say schizoaffective bp type. I used to have a habit of telling people I just met about my mental illness. I have poor social skills in general. Also, some people think if you have a mental illness that you're dumb. Just because I don't talk much doesn't mean I'm not thinking. I've had hurtful things said to me pertaining to mental health. Like people referring to the behavior hospital as a nut hut. I see people say like on FB about "lol who let so and so out of the nut hut" then in another post say how they have anxiety. I believe everyone has a mental illness some time on in their life. Actually, my psychiatrist said a lot of the population ends up taking antidepressants by the time they're 50. So yeah, I have a "severe" mental illness, but it's well managed. Genetics and trauma did this, so I gotta take medicine my whole life but that's okay. At least I can get help. If the stigma can lift, I'm sure a lot more people will want to seek help. Sorry that I went off on a tangent. LOL

[PattycakePancake]

Also, "you don't look crazy"
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

[xmascarol]

Originally Posted by PattycakePancake

So similar. If something makes a weird noise, I automatically think it's going to blow up. During my first psychotic break when I was 14ish, I debated on telling my family what was wrong. It happened whenever my cousin was over for the summer. I was afraid of what they would say because stigma is bad, but also at the time I definitely didn't think anyone would believe me because I didn't think it was me being psychotic since I legitimately thought I was possessed. My cousin convinced me to say something. I'm embarrassed about it. If someone asks my dx I say depression now because I learned people get freaked out if I say schizoaffective bp type. I used to have a habit of telling people I just met about my mental illness. I have poor social skills in general. Also, some people think if you have a mental illness that you're dumb. Just because I don't talk much doesn't mean I'm not thinking. I've had hurtful things said to me pertaining to mental health. Like people referring to the behavior hospital as a nut hut. I see people say like on FB about "lol who let so and so out of the nut hut" then in another post say how they have anxiety. I believe everyone has a mental illness some time on in their life. Actually, my psychiatrist said a lot of the population ends up taking antidepressants by the time they're 50. So yeah, I have a "severe" mental illness, but it's well managed. Genetics and trauma did this, so I gotta take medicine my whole life but that's okay. At least I can get help. If the stigma can lift, I'm sure a lot more people will want to seek help. Sorry that I went off on a tangent. LOL

You cant talk to me anytime hey I have a fear of my hot water heater people around this place look at me like I got a screw loose but when it use to come on I would not only get anxious but it would develop into a panic attack the humming noise just bothered me I would even at times and break down and cry because of that stinken noise but now I use my headphones and put my radio on if I have to funny thing is sometimes I can deal with it and other times I cannot ,my friend told me my fear is stupid.I dont make fun of her fears.she is suppose to be my friend,I love her dearly but sometimes she can put her big foot in her mouth,just because she doesnt have anxieties I guess she thinks my fears are odd. I had server fall about 13 years agoi had hit my head on our entertainment center the glass was every where.I had blood all over my shirt plus the back of my head was bleeding so bad,I can remember it was on a Tuesday morning at 330,I was in the hospital for about three days then they put me in a stinken nursing home.They had no compassion there at all they could care less if I had anxieties.One time I was gagging the nurse came in with a bowl she threw it at me and said use this.I gag so very easily.I was there for almost three month is was awful. My parents wanted to put me away I wasnt going to fall for that.SO I have a terrible fear of falling ,they had to put staples in my head I didnt even know that they did it.My doctor told me that is causing my moods to be worse.I have bad yelling spells at times and believe me I have gotten into trouble because of my yelling I keep telling my land lady I cannot help it it is part of my mood disorder she just doesnt get she even threatened to evict me if I kept it up.Mental illness around this place doesnt matter but a physical one does.I am sorry but that just isnt right.You are so right just because we have a mental illness people tend to think we dont have any brains.I hear you dont look like you have a mental illness what the heck is that suppose to mean????

[Travelinglady]

I think it's out of fear--of the mentally-ill person doing something they can't handle and/or that they will become mentally ill.

[xmascarol]

Originally Posted by Travelinglady

I think it's out of fear--of the mentally-ill person doing something they can't handle and/or that they will become mentally ill.

I get tired of people thinking we are dangerous,far from it I found that most people who are mentally ill are the most caring and giving people around.

It's fear and ignorance.

[PattycakePancake]

Originally Posted by xmascarol

I get tired of people thinking we are dangerous,far from it I found that most people who are mentally ill are the most caring and giving people around.

This is so true. I think media potrays mental illness bad.

[mote.of.soul]

"Why does a mental illness get a bad rap?"

Yes. I guess there could be a thousand and one different reasons but I have a pretty simple view on it, which is that it's simply part of how people are to give anything - and I do mean anything - a bad rap. I can't think of a single thing that doesn't get a bad rap from a certain percentage of the population - mental illness being no exception.

[xmascarol]

Originally Posted by PattycakePancake

This is so true. I think media potrays mental illness bad.

you got that right .Just today I was watching a talk sports show and one of the men was so afraid of lightening he was just about having a panic attack ,the big jerk told him to stop acting like a baby well excuse me but that didnt set to well with me and his so called friend was laughing at him to,I hate it when someone laughs at some ones fears I have had that happen to me just a little while ago ,I was so embarrassed I wanted to go and crawl in a hole.I don't care how strange some ones fears may be you dont go and laugh at them or tell them they are stupid.I just dont like loud noises in my apt ,It is very annoying to say the least and when you have to listen to that big noise my hot water heater every single day it can drive you crazy I live in elderly housing I wanted to have it shut off they said I couldn't do that,but now I am okay because I just use my headphones and listen to the radio for 13 minutes not all of the time like today it wasnt to bad .so I sat right through it but to laugh at my fear is inexcusable ….