2009 & 'nerves' is still a tabboo subject!!

[xBettyBoopx]

Does anyone else think that they could be a bit better if they had people to discuss they're feelings with other than on here or with their doctor.

We often see posts where people have lost friends because of this disorder, even lost family members who don't understand & we feel totally isolated from the world. Yet so many people suffer with some kind of 'nervous' disorder. Why is there such a awful stigma to this illness? There are millions of people suffer in this country alone, yet most of us have no one to talk to about it because most people don't want to know or we feel we can't talk openly because they will think that we're stupid or mad!!

So where are all these others sufferers? I don't think they live near me, do they live near you? Would we know? Are they suffering in silence?

There are no more people talking about this disorder now than there were back when I first got it in 1975! What can we do, if anything?

Els

[Utility]

Hi

I am certainly quite matter of fact about it. I have discussed it at work, with friends and family, and basically whoever wants to listen. As a result I have actually been very surprised by the number of people who have said that they experienced similar things and are pleased that I brought up the subject.

There are situations though where I have deliberately kept quite about it because I think it may be perceived as some sort weekness.

[looking4answers]

Personally I am not sure why people think of other people being nervous and afraid about things that seem so weird to them. I know of one person that had made fun of me and thought I was crazy because they drink so much they can't feel anything.

Also one thing I think. Everyone at one time or another some more than others have fears and are nevous. Some cover it with illegal drugs while others drink themselves into a stupor .

Personally I would rather suffer than do that. If people want to make fun of me ,thats ok with me. I wouldn't let it bother you because although they may not show anxiety most people have it or they are dead inside because they don't care about anything.

One other thing I might add.. There is usually something wrong with everyone. If its not anxiety ,its usally something else. I have never met anyone that was perfect in everyway have you ?

[NoPoet]

If our society was set up so that people felt comfortable enough to talk about mental health issues and we could reach out to one another for support, we would be a lot closer to casting these conditions into the wastebin of history forever.

[june]

What a thoughtful question:)
I have had HA and PA for many years - i have got worse now because i cannot be bothered to go out.
My family tend to still say ""its all in your head - get over it - other days they say the same as the Doc and psychs - "" you know the ways to prevent and get over attacks so use them!!!!"
I do know about breathing properly and i do know about distraction etc
BUT when panic strikes - it does exactly that IT STRIKES and i am helpless - deep breathing???????? i am trying to breathe to stay alive. why can't they understand.
I can sit on here and explain "stuff" to other people - but when it happens to me....... i look to NMP to reasure me that it is ""just panic.....":blush:
Best wishes
June
:hugs:

[RosieXXX]

Hello Els,

I think it is immensely important to have good friends who can be physically present to share in life's ups and downs. Sadly, I think a lot of people who suffer from mental illness do suffer in silence. It might be a combination of the nature of the illness which often can make us feel less inclined to socialise, and the fact that unfortunately there are many people who can't be bothered with those who don't quite conform to the norm - or what they perceive to be normal. I have also come to realise there are many people who will take, but are not particularly giving unless there is a good return, which leaves those in their time of need vulnerable. I suppose it has something to do with that old adage 'survival of the fittest'.

Regretably, over the years i have lost a few 'friends'; there have been times when i have found it difficult to engage because of anxiety/depression. I realise true friends are few and far between, and for that reason i place great value on friendship. In my experience some of the most sincere and gentle people tend to be those who have suffered; they are also easily taken advantage of by others who have a more robust attitude to life.