Don't Stop Talking about Mental Illness

I just wanted to add, that if anyone in the future disagrees with me or wants to debate a point I've made in this forum, feel free. I don't take offense when someone says I disagree, but rather am interested. What if you say something that is more valid than my own point, how cool is that. Because then I get to adopt it and get smarter each time I learn. It 's really arrogant to assume one is always right, in fact it's actually impossible for one person to be right all the time. And I certainly enjoy reading not only Holly's blog, but the many interesting comments posted.
I hope everyone had a safe Christmas, and Happy New Year.

I think that debate is very healthy, infact I love getting into a verbal skermish with someone when the debate is on point and not personal. Because you never know what someone might say that will surprise you, challenge you, or maybe turn your own theories on their head. I suppose the key is not to be wedded to being right, but to be wedded to learning and keep the respect value high. Having said that, I think the difficulty in discussing DID isn't always about who the audience is but our own vulnerabilities as DID sufferers.
From experience we have often learnt to close ourselves in and not talk. So to open up to others is very difficult. And I'd hazzard a bet, that many people around us have very little understanding of how difficult a process it is to acknowledge our own DID, let alone talk about it openly. We are a very robust group in some ways, yet incredibly vulnerable in others, and talking about our DID is like touching raw skin. And the general info out there doesn't help. I mean where is it portrayed clearly how difficult it is to accept a personal daignosis of DID. Also where is it addressed that discussing ones own diagnosis can be extremely painful and problematic. Certainly media potrayals don't focus on these things. And sometimes the general public have only these sources to refer to. I wish some insightful person with DID did an actual documentary on the reality of DID not the hype. Compassion comes from an understanding of others truths, and this springs from awareness brought on by accurate information. Given how little accurate info so far has reached the general public it's not so surprising there's a lot of disbelief out there. I suppose what we hope for, is that those who are close to us will choose to believe we speak the truth, and allow this to outway preconceived ideas. And as you said Holly, atleast in forums like this we can come together for the exchange of accurate information and support.

Experience has proven that every person has an unconscious resistance to accept personal mental disorders. Meanwhile, all we can easily see, banter and comment any psychological difficulties of others. Exceeding this so when various mental disorders has anyone of us. The key is that these disorders to discuss without prejudice with our relatives and friends. Thus we will be less frightened of the same deviation. At the same time, this is the best way to protect ourselves from many mental disorders.

"What if she came across just one person who didn’t act like what she’s living with is nothing? Instead of invalidated and dismissed, she might feel understood and taken seriously. That won’t solve her problems, sure. But she might feel less alone with them."
I agree....there is a lot to be said for feeling validated.
I have an acquaintance from work whose mother suffers from severe depression. Months ago, she was complaining that she didn't believe her mother's illness. She revealed that she was going to avoid seeing or speaking to her mother until her mother finally realized that there was no such thing as mental illness. She really seemed embarrassed, and disgusted by her mother's weakness. I gently explained to her that what her mother has is very real, and how it could be very dangerous if she has no one in her life who understands. I encouraged her to do some research, and to hang in there with her mother. More was said, but to make a long story short...today she is much closer with her mother. They talk nearly everyday, and she now discusses her mother's mental illness with much more understanding.
So yes, it is very important to keep talking about mental illness.
I also was one of those people who stumbled upon this blog while at a low point. The validation I feel when I come here has meant the world to me.

I always think it's one of my better qualities that I question a lot of things. This doesn't mean doubting. Maybe that's my science background. Good science is all about learning that there is so much we don't know. It's being open to new ideas. It's being open to discovering new things about what we think we already know about. I find, personally, that a lot of my questioning about my experience leads to more validation and more healing.
I also want to call your attention to an advocacy organization called Mental Health America, see: http://www.nmha.org/

"You never know when a blog with a small readership, will be stumbled upon by someone at a low point, and they will gain a sense of validation through reading a shared experience, reaction or feeling."
That's what happened to me. I'm so glad you all shared.

my sister was just recently diagnosed with dissociative disorder. she says she doesnt remember stealing from her previous job. Yet while she worked there she would tell us that she had to go in early to help with inventory that only she knew how to do. It is though she can pick and choose what she remembers that is why it is so hard for me to believe her when she says she has this disorder. I have read up on it a little and it says that in most cases there is a traumatic event that happens. well she had a normal childhood no incest or abuse. she has never acted like she doesnt remember events or dates before getting caught and she says thats because she hides it? now she says they want to do cat scans and has put her on meds. how can i as a family member get over the feeling as though she is fakeing it? is there some more information you could provide that says it just appears one day for no reason. I havent been able to find one case like hers.

A wise person often reminds me to "know your truth". It's so easy to begin to doubt your experiences when those around you are saying so adamantly that what you are experiencing is nothing, normal, attention seeking, etc. It takes strength and validation to hold onto your truth in the face of the doubters.
I do believe that there is a place for the doubters... blind belief is rarely positive, and there can be healing in their questioning. But, I believe that the questioning should always come from a place of respect and having an open mind. There are also times when the questioning, no matter how gentle, can be devastating. So yes, I agree Holly... people need to keep talking. You never know when a blog with a small readership, will be stumbled upon by someone at a low point, and they will gain a sense of validation through reading a shared experience, reaction or feeling.
Take care,
CG