How do you feel with other people who are "nornal"

[Sean Bowen]

I was wondering if any of you have problems relating to people who have never known depression, or anxiety or any other serious problems. Of course I would never wish anyone depression, I was just wondering if you think people who have suffered from it are somewhat "deeper."

[Jennifer Webb]

I've had problems relating with people. They just thought that I was a "drama queen" or I was just overreacting to things around me. They just don't understand what it's about. I even was let go from my job because I had depression that was caused by anxiety. It sucks and I have to be on meds because of it. Otherwise, I can't function at all.

[Ellen Adams]

I don't think we are necessarily deeper, but I do believe that those of us who have suffered (or continue to suffer) from one or more mental illnesses can be more empathetic toward those who are suffering than those who haven't experienced any long-term problems. One of my best friends has spent the last two years trying to convince me that I need to stop taking my medications. Because she didn't need them when her father died. So I don't need them now.

My way of defending myself? I've just stopped talking about it. At all. Perhaps not the healthiest of decisions, but it helps me keep from wanting to strangle her.

[Sean Bowen]

I agree with both of you. I guess people with mental health problems are not necesarily deeper, but "normal" people by default are less empathetic towards us, just as some one who would be telling me about diving problems would not find a sympathetic ear, if only because I know nothing about it. Obviously, life problems are different than problems with a hobby like diving, but sometimes it seems like everyone is an expert.

Ellen, like your friend. Just because she needed no medication makes her an expert. The fact that she did not do something makes her an expert on what you should do.

[Lee-Ann]

i also can have problems relating with people who are lucky enough not to suffer with any mental health illness' , although i dont think that those who do are somewhat deeper in anyway, i just think that speaking to people who have had similar experiences, is more helpful, as they can understand how you are feeling to a point, obviously it is different for everyone, but they were/are in that place once too, so it'll be easier to relate to them!
i suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, panic disorder, sleeping problems and mild depression, and all of my friends are 'normal' so i think it can sometimes be hard for them to see why i am the way i am, as there mentality is completely different to mine, and they just tell me, (in kinder words) to snap out of it!!! i think its hard to get the support needed from people who have no experience of the situation you are in :) x

[Jonathan Brown]

Well, as it turns out, most of my friends can be considered "abnormal" in some circles, but I guess that is how I relate to people. Happy, cheerful people just don't do it for me, I guess. Not that we sit around and talk all day about our anxiety attacks, but most of them are non mainstream people.

As for relating to "normal" people, I don't really. I can't separate my problems from myself, it would be ridiculous to suppose that I have my depression and I have myself, and there is no connection between the two. Who and what I am is defined by my experiences, and for most of my life, they have been in the shadows of depression.

[Harry Sanderson]

I often feel held back when trying to explain my feelings to people. I take comfort in knowing that there are people in the world that are perceptive enough to be able to understand whats going on.

[Anna Greenwood]

I totally identify with this. When I get really angry at someone( which is not often) and it pertains to them not understanding me or having trouble having friends, I always want to say "You don't know what it's like in a mental hospital." I've said to my friends many times that they don't know what it's like to be so depressed it actually, physically hurts or to be scared of yourself. It can also be awkward trying to explain why I take medicine or why I have scars down my arms. But it's kinda the same as being with straight people and trying to explain being gay. For me, it's not a conscience thing. It's just a part of me, just like depression is.

[silvia escalante wainwright]

well I sometimes feel like they have so much and don't apreaciate it. they take their health for granted and that makes me mad.

[silvia escalante wainwright]

I DON'T EVEN BOTHER EXPLAINING MY DEPRESSION ANYMORE PEOPLE JUST DON'T GET IT.

[silvia escalante wainwright]

simple people don't get depressed, it takes a great mind to get this sick, lol at least I choose to belive that and damn does it make me feel better....

[Harry Sanderson]

Doesn't it frustrate people not telling people how they really feel though?

silvia escalante wainwright said:

simple people don't get depressed, it takes a great mind to get this sick, lol at least I choose to belive that and damn does it make me feel better....

[Jonathan Brown]

Another great post from Renata, and it is all true. I mean, normal just does not exist, I guess what you learn over time is that everyone is just as screwed up as you are, some just cope with it better. And I also agree with those who have said here that if you have not been through it, then you just cannot know. And I suppose that people who have a done a lot of ruminating will see through a brick wall in time, and hence they are really deeper.