The terrible impact mental illness can exact in a person’s life.

[StarSong]

@Aneeda72, I understand the toll of PTSD and CPTSD. I understand distancing oneself from those who love and care for us because our demons won't provide the space to let them in.

Much of this was long ago and far away for me, but I remember it like it was yesterday.

Bodies that may fail us at any time are a whole different type of stress.

 

[Shalimar]

@Aneeda72, I understand the toll of PTSD and CPTSD. I understand distancing oneself from those who love and care for us because our demons won't provide the space to let them in.

Much of this was long ago and far away for me, but I remember it like it was yesterday.

Bodies that may fail us at any time are a whole different type of stress.

Thankfully, my days of sabotaging relationships and withdrawal from those who care are long gone, but I remain vulnerable to sneak attacks from an overloaded psyche which without warning throws the breakers and releases the demons. I am strong, my coping mechanisms

state of the art, but occasionally they have foundered. Much of this is due to the level of stress involved in my particular line of work. Almost everyone experiences some form of burn out, many have breakdowns, substance abuse is high, divorce and heart attacks etc far above the norm. High suicide rate also. This applies to all of us, not just people with CPTSD. In a way, we are first responders for the mind.

 

[Kathleen’s Place]

I have no doubt you've done something like that because you've detailed your struggle with mental illness. I know what a miserable fight it is.

My daughter completed suicide after ten years of fighting hers. No drama, she just had enough. Because of that, I
have no patience with people who use the threat of suicide to ply the sympathy of others.

Oh Judy (((JUDY))). There aren’t even any words to describe how very sorry I am. I well understand the reasons some people choose to do this...but the people they leave behind are the real victims and my heart and prayers are with you

 

[OneEyedDiva]

I have three beloved family members who have mental illnesses (not counting my sister who I believe has Alzheimers). Their struggles are real and frightening not only to them but those around them. When not in the throes of depression or bi-polar disorder, they are sweet, witty, brilliant and charming. But too often, their illnesses move in and take over.

 

[Shalimar]

I have three otherwise beloved family members who have mental illnesses (not counting my sister who I believe has Alzheimers). Their struggles are real and frightening not only to them but those around them. When not in the throes of depression or bi-polar disorder, they are sweet, witty, brilliant and charming. But too often, their illnesses move in and take over.

Mental illness can be so incredibly harsh on all concerned. Sending love and best wishes to you and your beloved family members.

 

[OneEyedDiva]

Mental illness can be so incredibly harsh on all concerned. Sending love and best wishes to you and your beloved family members.

Thank you so much. Two of them were hospitalized but only for a couple of weeks each time. One took part in an after program that seemed helpful but that is over now. Both had threatened suicide more than once. One reached out for help after taking some pills. Like I said...can be quite frightening!
Blessings to you as well. May you always feel peace and comfort within your heart and mind as well as in your surroundings.

 

[Aneeda72]

Thankfully, my days of sabotaging relationships and withdrawal from those who care are long gone, but I remain vulnerable to sneak attacks from an overloaded psyche which without warning throws the breakers and releases the demons. I am strong, my coping mechanisms
Lo are
state of the art, but occasionally they have foundered. Much of this is due to the level of stress involved in my particular line of work. Almost everyone experiences some form of burn out, many have breakdowns, substance abuse is high, divorce and heart attacks etc far above the norm. High suicide rate also. This applies to all of us, not just people with CPTSD. In a way, we are first responders for the mind.

deleted

 

[Shalimar]

Thank you so much. Two of them were hospitalized but only for a couple of weeks each time. One took part in an after program that seemed helpful but that is over now. Both had threatened suicide more than once. One reached out for help after taking some pills. Like I said...can be quite frightening!
Blessings to you as well. May you always feel peace and comfort within your heart and mind as well as in your surroundings.

You are most welcome, and thank you for the beautiful words of comfort. Peace be upon you.

 

[OneEyedDiva]

You are most welcome, and thank you for the beautiful words of comfort. Peace be upon you.

You are welcome, of course Shalimar.

 

[MarciKS]

I spent some time in a psyche ward years ago. Not long mind you but it was enough. They stuck me on Lithium which has damaged my memory to some extent. Also the other patients couldn't understand why I was there. They thought I seemed sane in comparison.

 

[Kathleen’s Place]

I have three otherwise beloved family members who have mental illnesses (not counting my sister who I believe has Alzheimers). Their struggles are real and frightening not only to them but those around them. When not in the throes of depression or bi-polar disorder, they are sweet, witty, brilliant and charming. But too often, their illnesses move in and take over.

For sure they are real and frightening. I think that far, far, too many people dismiss it; shrug it off because, “hey, it’s not happening to me or anyone I personally care about, so why should I care?” I’m so sorry that you and your families have to go through this, but thank you for continuing to love them and trying to understand and helping when and if you can

 

[Judycat]

Oh Judy (((JUDY))). There aren’t even any words to describe how very sorry I am. I well understand the reasons some people choose to do this...but the people they leave behind are the real victims and my heart and prayers are with you

Thank you for your condolences. I went through the whole round of emotions many times already and though I will never forget her or stop missing her, I've made my peace with what she did. I keep mentioning her in these threads because it makes me feel like she's still real in my life. Everyone who knew her cared about her because she cared about others. When she was feeling well she involved herself with helping others. Not selfish at all, she was just ill.

 

[Rosemarie]

The problem with mental illness is that it generally isn't immediately obvious. A physical disability can be seen by everyone, a mental illness can't.
We seem to have an in-built aversion to any kind of disability. I know myself how an injury or pregnancy brings offers of help from complete strangers, but mention a mental problem and you're treated as an outcast.

 

[Don M.]

Mental illness can destroy a person's life. I have a cousin in Denver who began to decline 4 or 5 years ago, and refused to acknowledge that she had a problem. She had lost her husband, and that probably started her slide downhill. All the other relatives tried to get her to seek help, but she refused. Eventually, she developed a level of Dementia that made her existence almost unsustainable....not eating properly, house becoming a mess, personal hygiene issues, etc. She had no children to help her, and eventually the cousins were able to almost "force" her to seek help. Fortunately, she was fairly well off, financially, and the cousins were able to convince her to take residence in a nice Senior care facility. Now, she appears to be doing ok...with a good staff to watch over her, but her mind is gone.

 

[Pink Biz]

 

[Kathleen’s Place]

Thank you for your condolences. I went through the whole round of emotions many times already and though I will never forget her or stop missing her, I've made my peace with what she did. I keep mentioning her in these threads because it makes me feel like she's still real in my life. Everyone who knew her cared about her because she cared about others. When she was feeling well she involved herself with helping others. Not selfish at all, she was just ill.

I’m glad you DO keep mentioning her. It helps you, and helps all of us as well. For some reason many people think of suicide as a selfish act and I,personally, don’t think most of them are. I think some of them see it as an act of love for the people THEY love. They know that their mental issues hurt the people who love them and I think they see suicide as not only a way to end their suffering, but yours as well. Of course it doesn’t play out that way on your end but I think they are trying to do what they consider best for everyone. Of course you will never stop missing her or forget her, but you have forgiven her and that is the biggest step you could ever take to keep her alive in your mind, and close in your heart. Thank you for bringing her alive in my heart as well...she sounds very special

View attachment 139796

oh my gosh...this couldn’t be more true!!!

 

[Nathan]

Recently, I was saddened to read some harsh comments directed toward a person I believe to be mentally ill. Initially, I was quite upset, then I realised that perhaps many people may not be aware of the havoc such illnesses wreak on the lives of those so afflicted. They often believe that either the person is full of bs, or malingering in some fashion

I didn't see this but

All my academic credentials, my skill sets around dealing with an apex anxiety disorder, CPTSD, weren’t worth crap when the trauma dragons escaped the mental cage where I had imprisoned them. I fell hard, unable to work, function, even speak. Ultimately, I ended up in ICU, damn near died of an overdose. To this day, I remember

nothing of that experience.

It sure sounds like you went through a lot here. I wish you peace for the future.

 

[Shalimar]

I didn't see this but

It sure sounds like you went through a lot here. I wish you peace for the future.

Thank you so much Nathan.

 

[MarkinPhx]

I have been diagnosed with depression most of my life and without going into detail I have attempted what has been mentioned. This year is particularly hard because my dad , who is 90, has dementia and it's obvious that there will never be a family Christmas again because of his condition. He is slipping fast.

With that being said, the one thing that does push me ahead is that I know I am not alone. For the longest time I felt I was the only one who has the dark moments but as I grew older, spent time in a hospital and got the care I needed I realized that I am far from being alone. Not saying that's a good thing but knowing there are others I can talk to and relate to helps me when I feel the darkness try to enter my psyche. It surprised me how many people have similar traits.

 

[Shalimar]

I have been diagnosed with depression most of my life and without going into detail I have attempted what has been mentioned. This year is particularly hard because my dad , who is 90, has dementia and it's obvious that there will never be a family Christmas again because of his condition. He is slipping fast.

With that being said, the one thing that does push me ahead is that I know I am not alone. For the longest time I felt I was the only one who has the dark moments not as I grew older, spent time in a hospital and got the care I needed I realized that I am far from being alone. Not saying that's a good thing but knowing there are others I can talk to and relate to helps me when I feel the darkness try to enter my psyche. It surprised me how many people have similar traits.

Mark, I am so sorry that your father has dementia and also the sad toll this has on celebrating Christmas. Hugs from a person who has some understanding of the cycle of despair and recovery. You are not alone. Many of us walk with you on this journey, brother.

 

[Mr. Ed]

Mental illness is not all that bad without the symptoms

 

[Repondering]

My mother was bipolar, 4 times a year she'd descend into despondent depression then emerge gradually to a peak of flirting, incessantly talkative, artsy/crafty creating. I was her only care giver; dad and the 2 older brothers had their escape modes.
She's been dead for 2 years now, dad for 19 years, the brothers out of the picture long, long ago.
Me? I don't enjoy anything. Not the up and down like her......I'm simply chronically, grimly bleak.
I function logistically, but personal relationships seem to be outside my frame of reference.
I'd like to live more of a life while I still have the time to do it in.

 

[Shalimar]

My mother was bipolar, 4 times a year she'd descend into despondent depression then emerge gradually to a peak of flirting, incessantly talkative, artsy/crafty creating. I was her only care giver; dad and the 2 older brothers had their escape modes.
She's been dead for 2 years now, dad for 19 years, the brothers out of the picture long, long ago.
Me? I don't enjoy anything. Not the up and down like her......I'm simply chronically, grimly bleak.
I function logistically, but personal relationships seem to be outside my frame of reference.
I'd like to live more of a life while I still have the time to do it in.

How exhausting that must have been for you, no wonder you shut down. Numbness protected you. I hope you are able to find your way to a more fulfilling life. You certainly deserve it. I don’t think I am strong enough to do what you did. What a gift you gave your mother.

 

[Shalimar]

How exhausting that must have been for you, no wonder you shut down. Numbness protected you. I hope you are able to find your way to a more fulfilling life. You certainly deserve it. I don’t think I am strong enough to do what you did. What a gift you gave your mother.

I was frozen for decades, but not anymore, it doesn‘t have to be permanent.

 

[Mr. Ed]

When my wife took me to our local for a short-term commitment and full psychological evaluation, i arrived in the ward and directed to a double room down the hallway. Shortly, a nurse came into the room to say they were moving me to the observation room across the hall from the nurses' station. Although, inside my room, I was under constant observation having a single room with my personal bathroom and shower. This was a tremendous advantage over gathering shampoo, soap, and washcloth to walk down the hall past the nurses' to take a shower in a hallway shower stall. The other advantage was solitude I came and went as I pleased without cordial interference.

Patients could not wear lace-up shoes. I've always advocated and protected people if I thought they were in harm's way. There was a patient in the ward that bothered everybody. One day, for unknown reason, I rallied several of the chairs in a circle, like a wagon train being attacked by rustlers. You've heard about air guitars. My wife stated I played piano keys in the air. Go figure?

When I first experienced symptoms at age 25, I spent an enormous amount of time trying to make the right decisions. Should I sit in the chair, if so, which chair or sit on the couch? What order should I do things? It was horrible. I knew if I did something wrong according to the test, the results would be catastrophic and I would have to start over again.

I thought to advance in life one must achieve levels of consciousness that would lead to total awareness. To fail would be unmentionable.

Delusion vs. Hallucination

Hallucinations are false or distorted sensory experiences that appear to be veridical perceptions These sensory impressions are generated by the mind rather than by external stimuli, and may be seen, heard, felt and smelled or tasted.

A delusion is a false belief based on incorrect inference about external reality that is firmly sustained despite what almost everybody else believes and despite what makes up incontrovertible and obvious proof or evidence to the contrary. The belief is not one ordinarily accepted by other members of the person's culture or subculture.