That's a really interesting way of seeing things. I think through awareness campaigns, media coverage and forums like this. the stigma attached to mental illness will eventually fall. It's unfortunate that people are ignorant (or rather unaware) of mental health issues but that's down to a lack of education rather than their character in my opinion.
Your proactive approach towards encouraging your friends and family to learn more about mental health is awesome, I need to definitely follow your lead Jade.
Ghost.
I've found that my family and friends understanding of my agoraphobia has grown over the years, as has my own. I think i've gradually become more open with taking about it and to be fair, they probably haven't known how to or when to bring up the subject! The times i have spoken about it, i've always chatted in an open and casual way which has usually encouraged a whole barrage of questions! Almost like they have been given a green flag by me to talk about it).
I used to get frustrated about their lack of empathy and understanding, but I don't judge people on that anymore. I have had negative responses from people in the past - but usually those who appear quite opinionated and ignorant about life's realities anyway, so not anyone I would want to be friends with
My family have been amazing all the way through and my boyfriend is very supportive but he doesn't pander to my insecurities (as hard as that sometimes is for me, he's totally right that that's what i need). They have definitely often felt frustrated and confused with my condition, but i genuinely think it's something you will never totally understand unless you've experienced anxiety yourself.
I think we can often be seen as weak. But it's all of us who suffer with phobias and anxiety which effect our everyday lives that get up every day and face that anxiety, who are far stronger than people will ever know. Kudos to us!
