![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cece on May 28, 2002, at 18:32:25
I'm posting this to both P-B and P-S-B:
I have been interviewed by the NY Times for a story about Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder
(summertime crash with depression, anxiety, desperation).I am BPII, and did not feel that I could speak meaningfully about my RSAD without talking about my
BPII disorder- I believe that they are connected as both are cycling disorders. Also, the mood
stabilizers and TCA that I take have helped substancially in lessening my RSAD symptoms and have
given me the ability to manage them better.I am struggling with the issue as to whether to fully identify myself in the article or to remain
completely anonymous, or to be identified by an old nickname that almost noone knows, general
location and general age. All options are available to me. So far I have chosen the partial ID.There is still, even in this day and age much fear of and prejudice and judgement about psychiatric
disorders. I am very careful who I discuss my disorders with- some people just don't get it at all, and
some are even suspicious that I am just exaggerating everyone's normal 'ups and downs'. Other
people want to debate it with me and put me on the spot.I have fears that my career could be affected. I don't want to jeopardize my financial security- just
having these disorders has jeopardized it enough. I want to do what is best for me, and I don't want
to try to be a hero.But, on the other hand, I feel it is important to speak out and as much
as possible to come out of the closet. It adds legitimacy to my story,
and gives verification that I am a real and not made up person to give
my full name. It might help others in the same boat to gain courage and
to feel less ashamed about having an 'invisible disability'.What would you do? Has anyone else been in this position?
I have to make this decision quickly, I believe by tommorow (Wednesday). Quick feedback would be
very appreciated.Thanks,
Cece
Posted by kiddo on May 28, 2002, at 19:23:10
In reply to Public disclosure of psychiatric disorder, posted by Cece on May 28, 2002, at 18:32:25
Hi Cece-
Nice to meet ya :-) Have you considered the option of using perhaps your first name only? Wold that give you enough validation without fully identifying you?
Could you write down the pros and cons on a sheet of paper pros in one column, cons in the other? Then you'd be able to weigh them side by side.
Only you can make that desicion, and I can imagine how frightening it must feel. Weigh your options, then do what you feel is right for you. Do you have a stronger pull toward one vs. the other?
I know that isn't much, but hopefully something in there that will help.
Kiddo
Posted by Augusta on May 28, 2002, at 20:24:47
In reply to Re: Public disclosure of psychiatric disorder » Cece, posted by kiddo on May 28, 2002, at 19:23:10
Cece,
It is very nice of you to be concerned about providing as much validity and legitimation as possible for the sake of others but . . . I feel strongly that your priority should be yourself and your own concerns about exposure.
Our diagnoses are very personal things. It isn't just a question of future discrimination. It's a question of privacy and feelings of safety and not being subject to possible head-games from other people -- all kinds of things.
I believe that you will contribute to some other people's well-being just by taking part in this article and being sincere and honest about your own experience. I do not think you should risk your own future feelings of safety and privacy in order to render, maybe, help, possible, to other entirely unknown persons, conceivably.
The point is, I guess, as they say in the Army, to live to fight another day. :-)
.
Posted by Cece on May 28, 2002, at 20:39:33
In reply to Re: Public disclosure of psychiatric disorder, posted by Augusta on May 28, 2002, at 20:24:47
Augusta-
I really like that: "live to fight another day", Something useful from the armed forces! My neighbor once advised me, in regard to something else, "choose your battles carefully". I need to remember that.
Thanks for the support, and to others also. I'm pretty sure that I am going to do the partial ID with my obscure nickname and no last name- someone would really have to be looking for it to know it's me, and I think that the general location and age info are relevant to the subject at hand.
Cece
Posted by Gracie2 on May 29, 2002, at 0:55:35
In reply to Re: Public disclosure of psychiatric disorder, posted by Cece on May 28, 2002, at 20:39:33
I myself would not use my whole name. Although millions of people in this country suffer from depression, there is still so much prejudice. Prehaps we should have "Bipolar Pride" parades.
I am going through something slightly similar, the agency I've worked for (two years now) has sent out paperwork to all employees to be completed by their doctors, including a list of all medications that the employee is taking and the doctor's assessment of the employee's physical and mental health. Well, I'm under psychiatric care and I take an anti-psychotic, but I don't think that's any of my employer's business and I refuse to disclose this information to them. There hasn't been a stand-off yet, but it's on the horizon.
Anyway, I think that such highly personal information is not for public consumption.
Posted by Cece on May 29, 2002, at 2:47:53
In reply to Re: Public disclosure of psychiatric disorder, posted by Gracie2 on May 29, 2002, at 0:55:35
One of the concerns that came up for me around this question also has to do with my job. When I was hired I was required to list any medications that I was taking for my employee file. I listed my allergy meds, my stomach med, thyroid supplement, and hormone replacement- no others, and there are a good number of others. The thyroid is actually part of my BPII treatment (helping a lot!), but looks innocent enough.
I could, "by the book", be fired because of not listing all my meds, even though it may not be legal to fire someone for having an illness. I'm only part-time, and the employment contract is 'at will'- meaning that an employee can be fired/let go with no explanation. Actually, I think that the 'at will' thing may be a bit bogus. But I'm not 'perfect' at my job (who is), and there can always be something dredged up.Your particular situation sounds extremely intrusive. It seems that forcing you to involve your doctors could be construed to be a violation of doctor-patient confidentiality. Are they afraid that someone is going to 'go Postal', or are they just trying to keep their disability insurance premiums down?
Cece
> I myself would not use my whole name. Although millions of people in this country suffer from depression, there is still so much prejudice. Prehaps we should have "Bipolar Pride" parades.
> I am going through something slightly similar, the agency I've worked for (two years now) has sent out paperwork to all employees to be completed by their doctors, including a list of all medications that the employee is taking and the doctor's assessment of the employee's physical and mental health. Well, I'm under psychiatric care and I take an anti-psychotic, but I don't think that's any of my employer's business and I refuse to disclose this information to them. There hasn't been a stand-off yet, but it's on the horizon.
> Anyway, I think that such highly personal information is not for public consumption.
Posted by Gracie2 on May 29, 2002, at 9:39:09
In reply to Re: Public disclosure of psychiatric disorder » Gracie2, posted by Cece on May 29, 2002, at 2:47:53
If I had a job that required carrying a firearm or transporting people, I could understand the neccesity of disclosing a history of psychiatric illness and all medications. But I don't do anything like that.
Again, it wouldn't be such a big deal if people weren't so prejudiced. Awhile back I watched a movie on Lifetime about a woman who was being treated for bipolar disorder. She decided to stop taking lithium when she got pregnant because she didn't want to risk harming the baby with medication. When she stopped taking lithium, she turned into a screaming lunatic. She hallucinated, attacked people, often had to be tied down in 4-point restraints, and had to be fed through an NG tube because she refused to eat for days on end (which makes no sense because if she stopped treatment for fear of harming her baby, why would she starve it to death?)
This stupid movie upset me for the ideas it was conveying to the public...that bipolar disorder is a rabid disease that causes violent, foaming madness. What a crock.
Anyway, as long as people have these ideas, depression or mental disorders must remain a private affliction. I know that our employers would like to know everything about us, but that's tough. As far as I'm concerned, they must continue to judge us on our work performance instead of trying to weed us out before there's "trouble".
-Gracie
Posted by Penny on May 29, 2002, at 10:43:43
In reply to Re: Public disclosure of psychiatric disorder-Cece, posted by Gracie2 on May 29, 2002, at 9:39:09
Gracie - I saw that movie! Completely, totally insane, though I do know someone who's BPI who gets almost like that when she's off her lithium. Still, as though there aren't treatments for pregnant women! jeesh...
I work for a small private college and they receive reports on what drugs are prescribed and what treatments people receive, though the information is general (they don't know who's getting what treatment). And in one of our college updates, faculty and staff were briefed on the rising cost of healthcare for the college...and they blamed a large portion of it on people taking antidepressants!!!! Okay...so we're not supposed to get help? And that's going to make things better? The joke afterwards was that if they paid us more we wouldn't be so depressed, but, seriously, I do know quite a few folks who work with me who take ADs, but I also work with many folks who are cancer survivors, and no one blames them for the rising cost of healthcare. I sure wish there wasn't such a stigma regarding psychiatric disorders. Wish more people understood, but they don't.
Reminds me of my first psychology class in college, prior to my taking ADs and mood stabilizers and anti-psychotics, and all that good stuff. My professor was lecturing on psychiatric disorders, and he came to the part on schizophrenia and he said (and I quote) "When people talk about someone being CRAZY, they're talking about schizophrenia". I wonder how many people in that class that day (and there were about 400 of us) had been touched by schizo in their lives and were thus offended by our professor's ignorance. Amazing...the stupidity of some people.
Cece - I think it's wonderful of you to speak out regarding your RSAD and BPII. I try to be as outspoken as possible with my depression, mainly b/c folks don't understand and I want to help promote that. But I totally agree with your choice of using your nickname and only 'partially' identifying yourself.
Penny
Posted by trouble on May 29, 2002, at 23:18:21
In reply to Re: Public disclosure of psychiatric disorder-Cece, posted by Gracie2 on May 29, 2002, at 9:39:09
you think you've seen trouble?
get hip to this timely
(oh yeah)
tip:
psychopharm:out
smelling salts:in
gotta run mother theresa calls!
love,
robin m. plan
Posted by Gracie2 on May 30, 2002, at 16:59:14
In reply to I saw that movie!, posted by Penny on May 29, 2002, at 10:43:43
Glad someone agrees with me! My bipolar disorder went untreated for years and, these days, I can't believe I didn't recognize the symptoms myself. Sometimes I really went over the edge, especially when I drank, and usually I would take it out on my husband. Can't believe he's still around.
Anyway, at my worst, I was paranoid, hysterical, and suicidal. I slept very little, went on buying sprees I couldn't afford and barely remembered when the bills rolled in. I didn't go on medication until I was hospitalized.
But hallucinations - no. Attacking people - no. I was dangerous to no one but myself. (Not to say that I didn't make life hard on others.)
I guess I am figuring that, untreated, I was as bad as anyone could get. Of course that may not be true, but I still think they went way overboard in that movie. And, like I said, it really bothered me because what kind of message is this movie giving to the public, to our family and friends and neighbors and employers?
Protesting the cost of insurance rates because of medication and treatment for the mentally ill somehow implies that the illness is our fault. My God, who would choose to be this way?
Ah well, I guess we should be greatful that we don't live in times where the mentally ill were locked away and forgotten or burned as witches.
-Gracie
Posted by sadie evans on November 1, 2002, at 12:03:46
In reply to Public disclosure of psychiatric disorder, posted by Cece on May 28, 2002, at 18:32:25
Hi Cece,
I am new to this group and just posted a reply to another of your messages. I am amazed to find someone with a similar profile. I also have Bipolar II with "summer-winter variant" SAD. I do poorly with less light in the winter, and also do poorly with increased heat in the summer. I would love to read the article--could you tell me where to find it? thanks,
Sadie
I'm posting this to both P-B and P-S-B:
>
> I have been interviewed by the NY Times for a story about Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder
> (summertime crash with depression, anxiety, desperation).
>
> I am BPII, and did not feel that I could speak meaningfully about my RSAD without talking about my
> BPII disorder- I believe that they are connected as both are cycling disorders. Also, the mood
> stabilizers and TCA that I take have helped substancially in lessening my RSAD symptoms and have
> given me the ability to manage them better.
>
> I am struggling with the issue as to whether to fully identify myself in the article or to remain
> completely anonymous, or to be identified by an old nickname that almost noone knows, general
> location and general age. All options are available to me. So far I have chosen the partial ID.
>
> There is still, even in this day and age much fear of and prejudice and judgement about psychiatric
> disorders. I am very careful who I discuss my disorders with- some people just don't get it at all, and
> some are even suspicious that I am just exaggerating everyone's normal 'ups and downs'. Other
> people want to debate it with me and put me on the spot.
>
> I have fears that my career could be affected. I don't want to jeopardize my financial security- just
> having these disorders has jeopardized it enough. I want to do what is best for me, and I don't want
> to try to be a hero.
>
> But, on the other hand, I feel it is important to speak out and as much
> as possible to come out of the closet. It adds legitimacy to my story,
> and gives verification that I am a real and not made up person to give
> my full name. It might help others in the same boat to gain courage and
> to feel less ashamed about having an 'invisible disability'.
>
> What would you do? Has anyone else been in this position?
>
> I have to make this decision quickly, I believe by tommorow (Wednesday). Quick feedback would be
> very appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Cece
Posted by Willow on November 3, 2002, at 23:48:28
In reply to Re: Public disclosure of psychiatric disorder » Cece, posted by sadie evans on November 1, 2002, at 12:03:46
"... with "summer-winter variant" SAD. I do poorly with less light in the winter, and also do poorly with increased heat in the summer."
Sadie
Welcome to the board!!
I probably should have stayed under my rock; however, here I am reading posts again. I'm wondering about you're diagnosis. If you are suffering depression both during the summer and winter, how can the cause be classified as seasonal?
As always, no need to respond, just something to think about.
Whispering Willow
Posted by Cece on November 5, 2002, at 22:59:01
In reply to Re: Public disclosure of psychiatric disorder » Cece, posted by sadie evans on November 1, 2002, at 12:03:46
Hi Sadie,
The article appeared in the New York Times, Science Section, Tuesday, August 13, 2002. At the time, I was disappointed in it, but as I reread it now I see that it's a decent piece. I was disappointed in the part about me because, as happens in journalism, my quotes were reworded a bit and I didn't feel that what I really wanted to say got across.
The reason that I decided to do it although I chose to remain anonymous, was because I feel strongly that my bipolar disorder and the RSAD are related and that it's not coincidental that my treatment for the former has helped the latter. I thought that that connection might be helpful to other people. It is not clear to me whether the writer quoted me in a way that tells the reader that I am indeed much, much better now in the summer with my medication finally tweaked just right. Maybe you'll read it and let me know whether that comes across or not.
My seasonal cycle is still with me, it's just not out of control and disabling- it's more subtle and manageable. At the level that it's at, it challenges me to respect the seasons of the year with their different ambient moods. I would like to live more in sych with them- a challenge indeed in a busy urban area and in a time when people are expected to perform the same every day of the year.
By the way, I like the winter! I do like most people get 'cabin fever' at some point, but I feel calmed by the quiet privacy of the dark. If you suffer in summer and in winter, do you enjoy spring and fall?
Best,
Cece
Hi Cece,
>
> I am new to this group and just posted a reply to another of your messages. I am amazed to find someone with a similar profile. I also have Bipolar II with "summer-winter variant" SAD. I do poorly with less light in the winter, and also do poorly with increased heat in the summer. I would love to read the article--could you tell me where to find it? thanks,
>
> Sadie
>
>
Posted by Alara on November 6, 2002, at 0:49:30
In reply to Re: Public disclosure of psychiatric disorder » Gracie2, posted by Cece on May 29, 2002, at 2:47:53
Gracie and Cece, just reading about your employer's requests for this information makes my blood boil! Talk about a breach of privacy! What business is it of theirs in any case?
A few years ago I had a breakdown at work and I was forced to tell my employer about it in order to keep my job. Thankfully they allowed me to keep my job on the condition that I told my colleagues about the depression - but I swear that few people in that company ever viewed me in the same way again. I was ostracised by many who were afraid of `mental illness' and this fuelled my feelings of paranoia, making my working life unbearable. I was one of the lucky ones, though, because at least I was allowed to keep my job!
When you're on a contract and you can be dismissed `at will', your employer/agency can arrange to have you dismissed if prejudice levels are high enough. When a contract is terminated here in Australia, the only requirement is that one week's notice is served. The employer is under no obligation to disclose the reason for sacking!
This is my advice to you, Gracie and Cece: LIE!!! The only time that you should disclose your medications to anyone is when your condition is so debilitating that you are unable to work effectively and need to explain yourself. Otherwise: Keep it a secret.
Society still has a lot to learn about conditions such as emotional disorders, epilepsy, and AIDS. The prejudice is still out there. Until you feel confident that people will accept a depressed person in the same way that they would accept a diabetic, hide.
It really isn't worth the loss of self-esteem, dignity, and employment security.
Alara
Posted by Greg A. on November 6, 2002, at 21:25:42
In reply to Re: Public disclosure of psychiatric disorder, posted by Alara on November 6, 2002, at 0:49:30
I am employed in a professional position, and have been for almost 30 years. In 1998, I was hospitalized briefly for treatment of depression and missed some work. Many co-workers knew what I was doing. I made no attempt to cover my tracks and answered most questions which were put to me. As I am sure most of you have experienced, by and large, people are content to pretend it was just a nasty episode, and forget all about it.
This past summer, after going through another medication failure, I decided to ask my doc about trying ECT. I also decided to be honest at work about what was going on. (In my earlier conversation with Dinah, I enclosed the email I circulated to my coworkers in which I let them know that ECT is not extra curricular training of some sort . . . )
I am wondering now if this was a wise course of action. Strangely, the people who work 'for' me seem far more okay with the whole thing. And I don't think it's just because I am their boss . . . or is it?? I have some good friends at my office who are also very supportive and I feel I can call on when I need someone to talk to. But there are a lot of funny looks when I have stopped by. Like 'shouldn't you be in a hospital or something??' When someone says 'we are just interested in seeing you get better before you return to work . . .' am I reading too much into it when I hear, 'please make sure you are not wacko before you try to come back here . . .' A touch paranoid perhaps? Get 'better' than what?
Anyone have thoughts? How about ideas on what explanation is due the parents of, and the players on, the junior girls soccer team I help coach.
Posted by lostsailor on November 13, 2002, at 14:56:48
In reply to Re: Public disclosure of psychiatric disorder » Cece, posted by sadie evans on November 1, 2002, at 12:03:46
I have many mixed feelings on both issues. I too have a much better fall,winter, spring. Summer, for me is terrible. I am BPD and have PD w/ agoraphobia. In the summer, I an barely leave these house to cycle or run any exersize...come fall I begin to run and cycle daily...winter is filled with snowshoing, running, some cycling and time in the gym if the weather is too much for the day.
During spring I still do well and now begin taking effexor, the ad that helps me the most, to get ready for the "inevitable" summer crash. Hmm I am not alone...
I was a social worker in what seems to be a past life. Kay Jamison, a pschyitry prof at John's Hopkins med school, wrote a book dealing with her "coming out" (my choice of words, not hers) as having BPD. Might want to read. For her, self-disclosure hepled her carrrer, for me it wreaked it. I began feeling a bit more liberated and decided to be more open...I lost two jobs in two month, have no references and a bad resume...and mind you, I self disclosed in a field that should have supprted me and insted ostrasizded me. GL...~Tony
Posted by Jumpy on November 14, 2002, at 21:17:58
In reply to Re: Public disclosure of psychiatric disorder, posted by lostsailor on November 13, 2002, at 14:56:48
This is a very difficult subject. I work in the medical field, and you would think that health care workers would be more knowledgable and understanding about mental illness. But I know two individuals that were open about their depression, and I often heard comments like, "Here comes prozac head" or "I hope she took her medications today" from other DOCTORS and NURSES behind there backs. At that point I decided I would never disclose my depression. I am currently going for ECT and am still trying to think of am excuse before I return to work .... maybe minor surgery or pneumonia. Unforunately, the stigma is still there and very strong. Although, alway making excuses to go to see my pdoc or pick up my meds is a HUGE burden too! It is like leading a second secret life.
Here is a article about disclosure .... http://www.mdsg.org/newsletter.September2002.html#Disclose
Jumpy
Posted by Cece on November 17, 2002, at 3:00:18
In reply to To tell or not to tell ...., posted by Jumpy on November 14, 2002, at 21:17:58
My stomach literally turned when I read your account of hospital hypocrisy, as it did when I read the post from the social worker.
On one hand, I work within society's attitudes about mental illness and try to be realistic about what is and isn't possible in terms of disclosure with friends, co-workers, colleagues, bosses, etc. That's just the way it is, I tell myself, and I'm pretty damn careful.
On the other hand, I am not so detached and reasonable. I am screamingly angry, I am aghast and I am dismayed at the ignorance, fear, and judgement that abounds. I am stunned at people's cruelty and lack of compassion.
This summer, my big accomplishment was to wean off benzos. This lifetime, my big accomplishment has been to press on seeking help, believing that life just couldn't truly remain a big black pit forever, to somehow dig courage and hope out of suicidal despair.>
'Not the sorts of things you can put on a resume' I (half) joke.
I have had acquaintances who grew to be friends over months, even years, of knowing. With some of them, I decided the time had come to tell them about my BPII, such a major factor in my life. In my mind I can still see the change in many (actually most) of their faces as it sunk in. The relationships changed and not for the better. There are the few exceptions, and there is my old friend who said to me "I admire your courage, and persistence, and hard work".
This is a hidden disability but not one that most people are sympathetic to. And it is a full time job to juggle doctors, therapists, self-help, medications, etc., but not a paying one (the opposite in fact!).
Cece
This is a very difficult subject. I work in the medical field, and you would think that health care workers would be more knowledgable and understanding about mental illness. But I know two individuals that were open about their depression, and I often heard comments like, "Here comes prozac head" or "I hope she took her medications today" from other DOCTORS and NURSES behind there backs. At that point I decided I would never disclose my depression. I am currently going for ECT and am still trying to think of am excuse before I return to work .... maybe minor surgery or pneumonia. Unforunately, the stigma is still there and very strong. Although, alway making excuses to go to see my pdoc or pick up my meds is a HUGE burden too! It is like leading a second secret life.
>
> Here is a article about disclosure .... http://www.mdsg.org/newsletter.September2002.html#Disclose
>
> Jumpy
Posted by Dinah on November 17, 2002, at 8:58:54
In reply to To tell or not to tell ...., posted by Jumpy on November 14, 2002, at 21:17:58
I agree with Cece. That is an appalling story. To think that such ignorance exists in the medical community. :(
I've been lucky in a way. My work knows about my problems because it's a small office. No one makes much of a deal of it unless I'm having trouble getting my work done, and even then it's a mostly sympathetic question about whether I think I can do it.
I'm largely open about my meds trials. And I've extended it to my friends and others as well. Someone commented once on my loss of weight and asked my secret. I answered a good episode of depression does it every time. People are usually pretty calm about it. I usually end up with quite a few people who have a brother/sister/mom or themselves on antidepressants. Those with chronic illnesses like diabetes usually compare it with that. When I do run into prejudice or ignorance (unfortunately including my family) I'm pretty outspoken about it. I don't get into details naturally, or bring it up, but if it comes up in conversation, it doesn't bother me to mention it.
That's me, tramping in where angels fear to tread. :)
But I've been extremely lucky. Either that or my aquaintance includes more than its fair share of those familiar with mental illness. Or maybe they've just guessed already. :)
Posted by Cece on November 17, 2002, at 15:23:27
In reply to Re: To tell or not to tell .... » Jumpy, posted by Dinah on November 17, 2002, at 8:58:54
I'm curious as to how much of the variable in acceptance versus unacceptance of psychistric problems has to do with age.
I'm 53. My generation started in a time when going to a shrink was a sign of being either a rich intellectual New Yorker, or a lost case. Lots has been learned and made public in the meantime, but the old dogs and new tricks syndrome prevails. I have friends (with other redeeming features of course) who think that psychiatry is composed of snake oil salesmen. "I can handle my problems myself", they say, "I don't want anyone poking around in my mind", "those guys are all frauds", etc.. Some of them could use a little help themselves, and I'm sure that if one of their children had a psychiatric breakdown they would learn a lot in a big hurry and be humbled. In the meantime, they can sit comfortably on their outdated attitudes- but they are not people who would be cruel and call someone "prozac head" or whatever it was.
Anyway, we didn't grow up with articles in magazines and newspapers about medical treatment for psych problems, people didn't know the names of psych meds like people now know Prozac, it was not known that there are biological bases for psych disorders. It was deep, dark, and shameful to 'lose your mind' or 'have a breakdown'.
My neice on the other hand is 39 and BP. She still needs to be circumspect about who she discloses to, but she has many friends on meds and plenty of people that she can easily talk to with without fear of rejection or judgement.
And for those of you who are in your 20's it must be different still. Is that true? Do you feel more fear of judgement from older people than from your peers?
Cece
P.S. A related sideline: my great-grandfather's obituary reads like a case study of a manic-depressive (not a known diagnosis in 1910), there are (total) 3 suicides on both side of my family in the next 2 generations, both my mother and sister were hospitalized with post-partum psychosis (my mother attempted suicide)- and yet when I had a breakdown in my mid-20's my parents blamed it on the fact that I had been smoking marijuana- and they were intelligent, well-educated people.
Posted by bookgurl99 on November 17, 2002, at 23:01:16
In reply to Re: To tell or not to tell- generational? , posted by Cece on November 17, 2002, at 15:23:27
> I'm curious as to how much of the variable in acceptance versus unacceptance of psychistric problems has to do with age.
>
> And for those of you who are in your 20's it must be different still. Is that true? Do you feel more fear of judgement from older people than from your peers?
>I'm 27. I've been taking AD drugs off and on since I was 20.
I feel that I would hope to never disclose these illnesses in a work setting. I just experienced 6 months of being at times publicly confused, only to learn that the confusion came from an unusual form of migraine.That in and of itself got me strange looks from professors and friends (including one professor who mentioned that the guy in _A Beautiful Mind_ was able to just forget that he saw things and go one with his life). I can't imagine if I said that I sometimes struggle with OCD or severe anxiety that it would be looked upon with an enormous understanding.
.......I feel that, at this point, 20somethings and 30somethings are more likely to acknowledge that someone has a mental illness, to be aware of treatments, and to know that these illnesses have a physical basis. For example, my aunt has hardly left her own house for 25 years, since her husband died. Despite having a genius IQ, she hasn't worked or done much other than eat junk food (one obsession) and watch tv. Yet the whole older generation comes up with excuses for this behavior; my mom says "I'd have a hard time if my husband died too." Yeah, for more than 20 years?? When they were married for 4??? I think this denial the older generation has is due to 1)their not being aware of medical/therapeutic solutions for such behavior, and 2)the shame they experience for acknowledging that someone in their family has a mental health problem. It will be interesting to see what the next generation can bring to this picture.
Posted by faraday on November 18, 2002, at 22:44:22
In reply to Re: To tell or not to tell- generational? , posted by Cece on November 17, 2002, at 15:23:27
I discussed my situation with friends who were coworkers before I ever went to a psychiatrist. My boss suggested that I see a psych once when I cried in his office. I still didn't go for a year at least after that, but finally after many friends suggested it I went. And after a month or so I told my boss, because I felt had affected my work, and I told him I would be going regularly to therapy. I worked in the department of psychiatry , my boss was a pharmacologist. I was 30 at the time. It was a horrible place to work for the workers mental health nontheless, my boss' boss has some sort of napolianic complex. My parents have been of the old school, psychiatry jokes, etc, but they are supportive now. I also finally went because my mom started taking AD, supposedly due to illness induced depression, so I felt like maybe it would be ok, from my parents point of view, for me to as well.
I'd like to disclose to everyone, cause I feel like it's such a big part of my life, if I don't talk about it, then I'm lying a bout something. But more than that, I'd like to not have it be a big part of my life, and have no need to disclose.
Posted by Dinah on November 19, 2002, at 4:43:02
In reply to Re: To tell or not to tell- generational? , posted by faraday on November 18, 2002, at 22:44:22
> But more than that, I'd like to not have it be a big part of my life, and have no need to disclose.
Amen.
I think I tend to hide therapy more than meds. If you mention meds, people tend to think medically. But if you mention therapy, I think there is more of a "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" reaction.
This is the end of the thread.
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