Posted by Susan47 on May 5, 2005, at 9:50:36
In reply to Re: *Coming Out* » Dinah, posted by Toph on May 4, 2005, at 21:44:22
I went to a support group for adults with invisible disabilities recently. And it was wonderful, because all these women have the same problems I do, and no one is ashamed to say they have ADD or they're bipolar, whatever it is it's part of who they are and they've learned to manage it, their families live with it, their friends and coworkers are educated about it and the overwhelming feeling was one of "My friends all love and care about me, they accept me because I accept myself, I don't choose people who can't accept me". Which is nice, you know it was lovely to get that support and understanding from strangers, but it isn't common is it? I think most "normal" people are still ignorant about mental disabilities and really are judgemental. My ex- used it against me, until it came to the point where I accepted these things about myself and could talk about the changes I wanted to make. He doesn't use it against me quite so much, now, he's more understanding. The thing is, we do have to constantly advocate for ourselves. We do. And I'm here cheering you on, but I don't know about making the big announcement, that sounds a bit manic, y'know?
poster:Susan47
thread:493254
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050503/msgs/494056.html