Self Acceptance of Your Mental Illness

[gwoolste]

Today I was reading about the passing of Carrie Fisher, a long time support of mental health. In reading of an interview with Dianne Sawyer (American journalist) Carrie famously said:

" She was not ashamed" of her mental illness, or the treatment she sought for it."I am mentally ill. I can say that. I am not ashamed of that," she said. "I survived that, I'm still surviving it, but bring it on. Better me than you."

I know that at times it feels like society makes it feel that Mental illness is shameful. However, I too like Carrie Fisher admit I am mentally ill and will more than likely be so for the rest of my life. I do however, have some really good times that go with some really challenging moments. I feel its important to let others know this, and I take opportunities to speak to groups, or individuals about my illness, what has helped me to manage it better and what is in my toolkit.

I encourage all with a mental illness to not be ashamed and remember some of those with mental illness have made some of the greatest contributions to mankind.

[blondguy]

Hello Gwoolste

You have already posted prior but Welcome to the forums and great to have you here 🙂

What a heartfelt yet such an honest post.

Im Paul and have recently told my stickybeak postie that I have depression after he said "so are you on vacation or what'? I did what you have just posted....just came straight out and said..."Ive been crook..I have Depression"

Carrie Fisher was a legend....and you nailed it....she wasnt ashamed in any way. Even in 1977 George Lucas had to politely mention not to be so 'headstrong'....or 'tough'..

Society still doesnt really 'get it' with mental illness.....They just cant see the forest for the trees unfortunately..

I am mentally ill as well Gwool. First 'Ground Zero' major anxiety attack in 1983 when I was 23.....It was messy and scary. That has dissipated after 14 years and has morphed into basic agoraphobia with depression for the last 21 years....

Your title thread of Self Acceptance is a huge key that unlocks the door to peace of mind....and renders the anxiety weak and without the hold it used to have 🙂

I think I read Dr Claire Weekes 'Self Help for Your Nerves' about 3000 times....it took me years to understand what calm & true acceptance of mental illness was. Now I 'get it'......Your point is so important as with acceptance the severe anxiety becomes a distant memory.

You are also speaking and assisting others on a group and individual basis as well.

I have taken an SSRI every day since 1996. They have given me a the opportunity to re-build my foundations so I can use the various coping techniques more effectively.

I was anti-meds until 2 GP's kicked me very hard as I was getting worse using self healing techniques.

I am okay that I have 'Invisible Crutches' ....:-)

To say that your post/thread topic is Inspirational would be the understatement of the decade GW.

your experience and understanding of 'acceptance' would be a huge asset to the Beyond Blue forums...

Gwoolste Said "I encourage all with a mental illness to not be ashamed and remember
some of those with mental illness have made some of the greatest
contributions to mankind.

I hope its okay if we can welcome you as part of the Beyond Blue Family

my kindest thoughts for you

Paul

[geoff]

hello Gwoolste, a very good post anda very good reply from Paul, and yes I have a mental illness and it will stay with me until it's time for me to rest my wary soles.
I will never be able to totally get rid of this illness, even though I have overcome it, but it won't mean that a relapse will never happen again, because it has several times, but it's a challenge everyday to stay on top of it.
Mental illess is much more prolific in today's world, some people deny they have it while others quitely keep it to themselves, fearing some form of incrimination by their friends and/or family, but if you ask someone do they feel depressed the obvious answer you will get back straight away from them is no, so why do you ask me that question.
If however you begin to talk to them about their daily activity and whether or not they feel as though their lifestyle has changed, there could be definite signs that something is wrong, so what do we do continue on with them to try and convince them that help is needed, or let them continue on their own way until the big crunch happens. Geoff.

[MsPurple]

Yeah I loved Carrie Fisher. She was so strong and an amazing inspiration. I loved her in star wars especially in the last one as a general. Everyone escaped the pain of Ben going to the dark side, but she decided to keep fighting. It is just like Carrie. Always stayed strong and did what she could do. She was so open. I especially liked how she was on Stephen Fries documentry