Originally posted by HadEnough Thank you so much Brash--you just made my crappy day a whole lot brighter.

You're welcome.

I'm really glad I did, the thought just put a smile on my own face.

Uh, oh... we might have to move to "Silly & Syrupy"

Is that somewhere in Saskatchewan? And then what would we do?

I wish you guys would move it over to S&S! (or get a room )And I mean that in the nicest possible way! It's just that I find the premise for this thread distasteful, inane and rather unsettling and wish it would die the miserable death that it deserves!

That being said, I guess I prolonged it's life just... that... much... longer.

They are both equal but different.

Cancer = you will probably die from it.

Mental illness = you probably wish you were dead instead of living with it.

Been there, done that with both.

AbilityZone--sorry that you are angered that this thread is continuing, but I think that sometimes starting where the people are and moving into more of a "sieze the opportunity" discussion helps people who would otherwise be afraid to share their thoughts and opinions express what they are thinking. I personally see this as an opportunity for people to anonymously share their thoughts and views about something like mental illness (and people DO have thoughts and views about it whether or not they admit to it), and if they learn something (like facts or empathy) along the way, then bonus for all of us--people with mental illnesses and those without.

I don't think AZ was angry, HadEnough. Note the in his post.

I think most would agree with me that this really isn't a very good comparison. Personally I would take a mild form of treatable cancer over schizophrenia, but on the other hand I consider my own mild problems with ADD and depression far preferrable to any form of cancer.

You did make a good point about support systems. I have been fortunate to have a good support system around me, which has helped me to learn the skills to cope with my own problems. I can't imagine how I would have turned out without them. Today I consider my own depression and difficulty concentrating more as "personality quirks" than any illness. This influences my own views on this question, but until I read your post, I didn't realize how much of this I owe to the friends and family who have encouraged me throughout my life.

Your comparison to a disability is also very good. When you learn to cope with a disability, it is still possible to have a satisfying life, but it can take a lot of effort and support. Regardless of whether it is an emotional, psychological, or physical disability, the support of others can make all of the difference.

Well put, Brash and HadEnough! My comments are only directed at the premise for the thread, not the wonderful, insightful and inspriring posts therein. I have yet to vote, (see above) for there is no reason to lend credence or validate the heading to the thread.

My heart and soul go out to those who are brave enough to share their pain.

Kudos to you Hadenough. Well said.

Thanks bigmomma. I know lots about being mentally ill, but if only I could learn how to be NORMAL!

Originally posted by HadEnough Thanks bigmomma. I know lots about being mentally ill, but if only I could learn how to be NORMAL!

Fugetabout it! Tis no such thing is "normal", so you're A-OK!

I don't know about being normal. What the heck's that anyway. Been depressed for months now-had a serious accident and it's taking way too much time to recover. Can't walk, can't get around, but I try keeping my chin up-still it's depressing. Then, my foster daughter moved home last week. It can all be so much, but persevere is now my mantra. If I were normal, I'd be crying in my beer every hour. To me, this is all becoming too normal. I must be off the wall. Look forward and not backward.

Excellent attitude bigmomma, continue to keep your chin up; you're doing a fine job.

Thank you for the support SBS. Sometimes this is all it takes to make a bit of the day liveable.

#1 rule: Never thank me.

Please feel free to pm or e-mail me anytime, that goes for you too hadenough. I know what your going through, and you're right; somettimes just knowing someone's there who sincerely cares makes all the difference in the world.

Hugs for you both!

I know that you said we can't thank you SBS, but since we are talking "humanness" and "therapy" here, I just thought I would give you a gentle reminder that by saying that, you are taking away the opportunity/ control from people who really do want to show you their appreciation. And, we all know that feeling out of control leads to all sorts of problems.....
Besides, let yourself be thanked once in awhile--it does the self-esteem good!
You are too sweet!