I have had depression for a number of years. I choose to keep it to myself except for a friend and my husband.

A family member has recently been diagnosed with a mental illness which she blames openly on my parents. Actually the therapist has come up with this theory.

My mom divulged this information to me along with telling me FOUR times that she, herself, has recently been diagnosed with depression (although she seems the same to me...not saying anything about degrees of depression, here).

I am frustrated by all this. I am rather angered both by the amount of pity the family member is getting (nope...I wouldn't want it) AND the burden she's placed on my parents AND the fact that my mom clearly wants attention for herself due to her own diagnosis.

I mean, why tell anyone???? WHY?

I know I am weirdly jealous...and I severely dislike myself for it. I'm a grown-*** woman for goodness sake!

AAARRRGGGGGHHHH!!!!!

Thank you for listening.


eta, just a rant. We don't even live close to each other.....

[Skeezyks]

Yeah, I know something of what this is like. I don't have any extended family. So for me it's not a family issue. But whenever I hear of someone who's being lauded for accomplishing something in some field I've had an interest in, I just feel outrageously jealous... I can't help it. It's stupid of me & I hate it. But I don't seem to be able to get over it. So I simply strive to accept, compassionately, that that's the way I am... AAARRRGGGHHH!!!

[MickeyCheeky]

Just try not to think about it, I suppose.. I think it's for the better.

[Erebos]

Not an uncommon problem at all, I have a very close friend who is in a near identical situation and it has triggered him severely.. No advice, just sharing. Sorry.