Joe 1,
welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
It is awkward when people only see a label or an illness and not the whole person. I suppose people feel they are being helpful.
I have lived with a label for over 40 years and so have seen a change in people's reactions from avoiding me, to being unsure of what to say to now many people feel they are an instant expert as they have read an article on the internet. There is much more awareness now but as you say being constantly reminded of one's illness is not helpful.
I think labels can be useful so we can be treated but that's also can be restrictive as that is all people see.
Even after all these years it is hard explaining that I have having a bad day not ill.
Of course if we need help it is good to know people will be supportive.
To my loved ones I have said, I appreciate your concern ,I am doing fine and I will let you know if I need help.
It i a very interesting topic and Geoff has made some thoughtful points.
Quirky
