Posted by jay on February 13, 2003, at 11:12:27
In reply to whywhywhywhywhywhywhywhywhywhywhywhy!!!!, posted by bluedog on February 13, 2003, at 9:31:17
It took my parents *years* before they admitted I had a problem. See, my Dad went through a depression, and is on medication, and then they saw me in ways they never did before...like I would stay up for a few days straight, bawling my eyes out anytime someone just looked at me, and then wrote them a letter, basically a suicide note, about how sorry I am for being such a 'burden' and a "f*** up".That took about 7 years for it to sink into them. Then my neice came down with a nasty depression, and now even a person who used to be very, very anti-medication...my sister. It seems like it is not until mental illness affects *them* does it really sink in.
My honest little bit of advice...don't bother with them about it directly if they want to argue. Just keep pressing on and on and on about your symptoms...and if they try to argue, just cut it off right there and end it so they can't say anything. In other words...don't argue back, and then they can't bring their prejudice into the situation.
You also might want to try using the classic symptoms for words of description, like depression and anxiety, rather than social anxiety, because they likely know them better. (Even if they don't agree with you now.) 'Social anxiety disorder' is a very modern term, so hit them with the familiar.
At best...maybe just forget about talking with them about it. I know it sounds bad, but it's better than leaving you feeling as bad as you did.
I am 33 also...and I can identify with your frustration. At our age though, we have a right to ignore what our parents and family says. Just focus on *you*...your progress...and getting better when you can.I wish you all the best..
Jay
poster:jay
thread:200046
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030208/msgs/200087.html