6 Reasons Why People With Mental Disorders Who Aren't Crushed By It Aren't Weak

[HereSince1628]

--posting this because much of this seems familiar--

1. You've had to struggle (with much of what follows) <snip>

2. You've had to deal with the illness and, on top of it, the stigma, misconceptions and ignorance that surrounds it. Your illness is invisible, so people are less compassionate and understanding. Their skeptical about it's validity. <snip>

3. You keep showing up. Showing up to waiting rooms and reading magazines from 1998, showing up to tell your story for the millionth time, showing up to groups, therapy, doctors, psychiatrists... It's strong to show up... especially when your care is inadequate <snip>

4. You've had to carry your intense emotions, other people's emotions, and perhaps the world on your shoulders as well. You're empathetic. You're a sponge. It's way easier not to care. You've sat with people who are struggling and really listened. <snip>

5. You've had to figure out treatment which can feel like endless trial and error. You can't just put a cast on your brain. There's not one magical therapy method or pill. You've tried acupuncture, exercise, affirmations, talking about your dog fluffy running away when you were six-year-old, CBT, DBT, and other latest-acronym-therapies. ... It takes strength to keep trying to figure out a treatment plan that works. <snip>

6. Your own mind has felt like it's turned against you. You're like, "I'm going to fight today and get through this" and you're mind's like, "No you're not! You can't do anything! You suck! Loser!" Your mind has been relentless in it's pursuit to keep you paralyzed and you've kept moving. <snip>

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rachel-griffin/6-reasons-why-people-with-mental-illnesses-are-strong-not-weak_b_9204122.html