Thank you for the replies.
I'm not sure if anything can be done about 'being understood' by anyone. My Mom and Dad get emotional if I talk about it to much. It only ever comes up when I'm very anxious or panicing.
At one point I had a psycologist and the Dr wanted to talk to my Mom about coping with it. She refused. I was upset to hear that considering I rely on my mother alot.
Anyways... sorry.. going off topic..
Jas,
It's hard for them to understand as they've never walked a mile in your shoes. We do have a section of educational material for family members. Educating them on panic may breed understanding.
Danielle, Bilingual Support Specialist
Hi Jas,
Well we get you!! I am so glad for this site. It is a place for me to come where nobody thinks I am crazy. That the fears I have are not that abnormal and usually somebody else feels them too.
Maybe we need a telethon. Somehow we have to get society educated about menatal illness. It comes in so many forms and degrees. Very few people in my life "get me" either so I only turn to those who try to understand it.
Jas you can lean on us because we do understand.
I've always tried to keep it secret, but its hard to do when people wonder where I run off too. I do tell close friends and my famiily has known and helped me.
Unfortunatly even my family can't understand it after 8yrs of dealing with panic attacks. They don't understand why I can't just put it on the back burner and go on with life.
I can't even work. I can manage a day before my anxiety shows and then they illegally fire me because the company doesn't want to deal with it. I'm a risk I guess.
I don't know what to do. No One gets 'me'.
Hello,
I have also had to deal with this in the past. Education can be a great tool. But only if people wnat to learn and understand this and some people don`t want to! Then there is not much you can do.
I must admit, I have kept in my l;ife those people who accept me the way I am and have put distance between me and those who won`t even try. I know it is not a perfect solution but I do feel happier. Luckily for me my immediate family and my husband are very understanding :)
I think as long as mental illness is so taboo and as long as we are afraid to speak more about it, there will always be a certain problem of dealing with stigma. But I am hopeful that things are moving in the right direction :)
-Diva
Lorlee,
Thanks for sharing and know that the members do know what you are going through and we are always here to support you :)
Josie, Support Specialist
Hi everyone,
Well I wish I could say that once I have explained what I go through that people get it but they don't. I keep being asked "So what are you so afraid of?", "Why don't you go and get the test done?", or my favourite "Just don't think about it."
I have having panic attacks on a regular basis since I was 14 years old and it took me 3 years for someone to tell me what they were. My family are very aware that I "GO THROUGH" something but don't get it. I have explained a hundred times about the "fight or flight syndrome" and that I can get it just sitting on the couch. I still get perplexed looks from them. I have asked them to read up on it but that seems to require too much on their part.
To be very honest I am getting to the point where I will not talk to anyone about it anymore. I find that if it does not affect somebody personally they really do not want to hear about it.
I will come to this site when I need help and support. Here at least I know I am understood. That people don't think I am crazy because I can't go five blocks away from home or my obsession with symmetry in my life.
I am so glad for this site and the people who come here.
Members,
Mental illness is often referred to as the silent illness as it can only be identified by asking the individual in question. Some of you have posted in response to difficulties you've experienced with friends or family with regards to your panic and it's effects on you. These posts are often marked with understandably hurt feelings and fears of being labelled.
Today, we invite you to share your experiences in this safe space and find strength in numbers. We would also encourage you to share strategies that have worked to help you gain the understanding of family and friends or current problems you are faced with.
Danielle - Bilingual Support Specialist
