does that mean everyone is mentally ill?

[prshltn1979]

i dont like the way pdocs keep labeling everything and everyone. fair enough schizophrenia, bipolar, depression but saying someone has a personality disorder. so now peoples personality's aren't normal and means ur ill? and within reason anxiety and depression everyone has at some point in their lives. does that mean everyone is mentally ill?

and what exactly is the pdoc supposed to do other than give drugs? so if u have this and that then he is meant to change u back to normal so u dont have that diagnoses anymore, then u r "better", then everyone will be exactly the same.

there is no normal. what makes someone interesting and fun is the way they are. everyone is unique.

[LunaRufina]

If your behavior interferes with everyday functioning, that's a problem.

It's not "interesting", it's a PROBLEM.

People aren't diagnosed with "being weird". They are diagnosed because they are dysfunctional. That's the standard.

Bipolar doesn't make me interesting and fun.

It makes me batshit and unreasonable. Angry and paranoid. Scared and sad and sometimes downright dangerous.

[DamselODistress]

Fair enough, people can have anxiety and depression periodically in their lives. The ones who are crippled by it, who can't escape it no matter what, they need treatment. Many, many people can handle the anxiety and depression without professional help.

Sure, my manic episodes may be seen as 'fun' to some people. My grandmother thinks it's a blast. But is it fun jumping off a roof because you believe you won't get hurt? Is it fun going 9 days without sleep? It only looks fun because it's hard to see how being energetic and upbeat for a change could possibly be dangerous. But driving 50mph in a school zone at 2:30 because you're sure you won't hit any little kids? Not so fun.

It's not interesting being so depressed that you don't even have the energy to check, much less respond to a text message. It loses you friends. Starts fights with your family. Let's not forget when things dip down into being suicidal. Woohoo, party! The party is in the hospital; don't worry, they'll keep good watch.

The drugs the pdoc gives help control your symptoms. Not all of us get to be 'normal.' I'll never be rid of my bipolar.

[enlightened_plutonian]

No not everyone has a mental illness. As Luna said, everyone here got to the point where our functioning was affected by some symptom or another. And also personality disorders have symptoms and affect people's functioning, they are not just somebody being a bit different.

People usually see a pdoc when for whatever reason they cannot cope and cannot function in 'normal society'. They don't go to a pdoc whenever they have an off day.

Plus meds and therapy are treatments and not cures. I'm pretty sure if I decided to come off my meds tomorrow then I would end up psychotic again, which is something that I do not wish to do. It is pretty similar to taking insulin for diabetes. The meds are there to treat the symptoms, so we can better cope and function, hopefully resulting in a period of remission (by the way remission is not the same as cure).

[Hadeharia]

There are people who have decent lives and function well overall who still suffer from mental illness. Someone diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Disorganized Type who has a GAF of 5 is considered mentally ill. Someone diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder who has a GAF of 75 is also considered mentally ill. The former is a much more severe diagnosis, but both fall under the broad category of mental illness.

Personality disorders can be more impairing than mood disorders. Personality disorders are different from personality quirks.

[LunaRufina]

There are people who have decent lives and function well overall who still suffer from mental illness.

Yes. After treatment.

If they can do well without any intervention whatsoever, OR if they find what they identify as symptoms don't impair them to any extent, they aren't actually mentally ill.

[hallowedink]

Just because I have a personality disorder does not mean that my personality is not normal, thank you very much. It just means that my environment, upbringing, biology, etc. have meant that I have developed a certain set of coping methods to deal with the pain inside of me.

That pain is what makes me mentally ill. People who are not mentally ill will probably never understand that, or at least will struggle, just like I struggle to explain it.

Sure, everyone can feel depressed occasionally, but that is not the same as suffering from depression. For me, depression is an ever-present dark cloud that colours everything I do, say, feel all the time to the point where I can function - I can't interact with anyone around me, I can't get anything done, I end up just wanting to curl up and die. Sometimes, as an added bonus, I start plotting exactly how I can go about dying as soon as possible. That's not normal, that means I'm mentally ill. I'm pretty sure that people who aren't mentally ill don't go around planning how they want to commit suicide.

You talk about anxiety as something that everyone experiences. I can't enter a room with more than about ten people (whom I know reasonably well) without starting to have panic attacks. I can't talk to people I don't know. I can't speak on the phone. I'm physically unable to, in fact. That's not "normal".

You talk about "within reason". I'm going to go out on a wing here and equate "within reason" to the social concept of "normal". In this case, normal means not mentally ill. Depression and anxiety like the people here on CB experience is not normal. Not everyone experiences that. Simply feeling anxious or depressed doesn't make you mentally ill - it has to impair your functioning. Anything that impairs your functioning is something that should be treated - say, as EP mentioned, diabetes being treated with insulin.

Most of all, though, I take exception to this:

i dont like the way pdocs keep labeling everything and everyone. fair enough schizophrenia, bipolar, depression but saying someone has a personality disorder. so now peoples personality's aren't normal and means ur ill?

I have Borderline Personality Disorder. That does not mean there is anything wrong with my personality. It means that I am ill. It is not my fault. I've spent a year trying to learn that it isn't my fault through various types of therapy, and I'd thank you to not come along and start telling me and people like me that there's nothing wrong with me, my personality just isn't normal. My personality is fine. My disorder stems from massive trauma in my childhood.

My Pdoc doesn't prescribe me medication. She assesses me every few months to see if my situation has changed, refers me where needed (e.g. to an eating disorder clinic), and diagnoses me. My doctor prescribes me drugs. Those are not to change my personality, they are to lift my mood and stabilise me, to give me a stable basis on which I can build on with therapy in order to gain better coping skills, thereby leaving behind the bad coping skills that have given me my diagnosis. I know that when that happens, I will have gone a step on the way to getting rid of my diagnosis - I will be on the way to recovery.

I really don't think you can come in here and start saying that people need to be unique and interesting, and that psych meds are taking that away. Psych meds don't make us normal or the same, they make us stable enough to aid our recovery, or, in the case of illnesses that currently aren't curable, they make us stable enough to be able to live our lives with as little negative influence from our illnesses as possible. Psych meds have made it possible for me to stay in university, for example. And I will be the first to admit that I am by no means the worst case out there. But that doesn't mean that I'm not ill in my own right.

What makes me unique and interesting is not my depression, unstable moods, and bad coping skills. Those make me ill. The things that make me unique are my talent for languages, my passion for writing and photography, my good leadership skills, my enjoyment of sport. Those things define me, make me unique, intersting, different to the people around me. Psych meds can't take that away from me. Psych meds help with the illness that means that I am unable to enjoy those things that make me unique whilst I am ill.

(And as a side note, you really need to learn grammar. "ABC" <-- Those are what we call capital letters. They come at the start of sentences. "You" is spelt "y-o-u", not "u". Just saying.)

[Karin]

I think that your question has a different meaning and intention to the responses received here.

I think I understand your question. I often in frustration, throw up my hands in wonder at the "normal" people out there, and my lack of understanding of most people's way of thinking and their actions.

I also regularly ask why do I have to drink handsful of tablets to conform to this or that "normal" person's standards of what is acceptable behaviour.

though I live what is to me a very quiet, ordinary life, (since reaching a modicum of stability), apparently I am seen as a very eccentric person.

The so called "normal" world never ceases to amaze me with very many strange actions and decisions.

Like you, I struggle with the idea of conforming to the normal world and I would also probably like you, never feel totally a part of it. Thank heavens.

I hope I am on the right track here.

[Karin]

There are people who have decent lives and function well overall who still suffer from mental illness.

Yes. After treatment.

If they can do well without any intervention whatsoever, OR if they find what they identify as symptoms don't impair them to any extent, they aren't actually mentally ill.

Last week I was still wondering, no completely convinced that I am actually NOT bipolar, then Saturday a neighbour argued and insulted me and some very good intentions I had, and I spent all of Sunday in bed not even able to get up for a shower.

Monday I HAD to go to work, but sat plotting revenge on her.

Tuesday I enacted the revenge.

Wednesday I did the most awful things to my boyfriend and ended with an absolute bersirk screaming hissy fit at him, that he broke up with me. It was like the worst verbal abuse possible to the man I love with all my heart.

Thursday and Friday I spent trying to just get him to TALK to me, listen to me, hell, just to take my calls!

Today I have to somehow apologise so that I don't loose him. I still don't know how.

Should I bump into the neighbour, I would probably greet her ver politely.

And I still wonder if the pills are not making me unstable.

[prshltn1979]

hey i think u guys misinterpreted what i said. my question and point has NOTHING to do with meds. sorry if it sounded like that and i think yes its ok to say someone has depression or schizophrenia or bi polar but going as far as judging and critisising someones personality? i think thats going too far.

[Guest Vapourware]

I don't know what sort of doctors are being referred to in the original post, but from my [albeit somewhat limited] experience - no, doctors don't label "everything and everyone". It was actually a bit of a battle for me to officially receive a diagnosis of Asperger's - one doctor rejected it out of hand, one psychologist couldn't give me a definitive answer because I was "complicated", and my current psychiatrist also rejected it for about a year before suddenly doing a diagnostic backflip. All in all, it took about two years for me, and a lot of confusion.

On the one hand, I *think* I can understand the philosophical approach being taken with the original post, in that it seems that any behaviour that is seen outside of the status quo is being given a label. In one sense, there is an element of truth to it. Diagnosing a disorder can be somewhat influenced by the dominant culture of the society an individual operates within, so yes, there is an element of cultural bias involved.

However, I also think the concept of cultural bias in the diagnosis of mental illness, in general, is over-emphasised. You can make an argument that some societies are rigid when it comes to people with noticeable differences in world view, but if someone is having impaired functioning, then there is a problem somewhere along the line and it's not necessarily just because they are different from the status quo. I think someone's world view becomes problematic when it doesn't matter which culture or society that person goes to, they are still going to have problems. If patterns of behaviour etc. are universally problematic, then yes, that needs to be fixed - mainly for the sake of the person in question.

Ultimately, there is a massive difference between being "interesting" and being "mentally ill". I can be "interesting" and it would be okay, because my functioning wouldn't be impaired and I'm not impacting on other people. When I'm symptomatic with my mental health issues, however, I'm impaired to the extent where I find it difficult to do simple self-care tasks, like eating and getting out of bed, and I'm liable to accusing people of being hurtful towards me when I have no evidence. Now, those issues are problematic in all cultures and societies. It's not "interesting" to me when those symptoms occur - rather, it's pretty hellish.

[notfred]

hey i think u guys misinterpreted what i said. my question and point has NOTHING to do with meds. sorry if it sounded like that and i think yes its ok to say someone has depression or schizophrenia or bi polar but going as far as judging and critisising someones personality? i think thats going too far.

You might want to read up on personality disorders. They can greatly effect ones ability to function. A diagnosis is not a criticism.

nf

[DamselODistress]

hey i think u guys misinterpreted what i said. my question and point has NOTHING to do with meds. sorry if it sounded like that and i think yes its ok to say someone has depression or schizophrenia or bi polar but going as far as judging and critisising someones personality? i think thats going too far.

If you're specifically annoyed by doctors 'judging' someone's personality, that's not what I got from the first post. I do have to ask, though, have you read the criteria for being diagnosed with a personality disorder? This post has very good descriptions of them: http://www.crazyboar...lity-disorders/

Even just reading over the names of the different types, it's kind of obvious why they're being 'judged' and 'criticized' by doctors. The requirements for each type would be very hard to live with and fit into society. They're not so much being judged as being told what they'll need to work on in order to be functional in the world. Don't quote me on it, but I'm not even sure very many of them receive medication for the disorder; therapy is usually the order of the day. Again, don't quote me on that, it's just my understanding of the treatment.

Edit: I'm a dork, forgot the whole point of commenting again: Not all people walking around have a diagnosis from a pdoc. I've met people who receive treatment from their regular old family doctor, and others who diagnose themselves. It's even gotten to the point where disorders are used as slang terms. They get flung around, no regard to what it actually is. But I'll stop there before I start ranting.

[prshltn1979]

so the pdoc has to "fix" the person who has that "personality disorder" so he or she will become "normal" ?

[Guest Vapourware]

I agree with notfred in that I don't think you understand the concept of a "personality disorder".

It's not about being "normal", it's about being able to function better in the world.

There's no nefarious plot by people in white coats to judge, criticise and force people into conformity.

[Guest]

As someone with a personality disorder, take your ignorance and do some research. I am very 'normal' and get told that all the time. I just grew up with sexual abuse and that impacts my emotions and coping skills. I wish you could walk in my shoes and get the blisters, then you would get what a personality disorder is.

[hallowedink]

so the pdoc has to "fix" the person who has that "personality disorder" so he or she will become "normal" ?

Seriously? I'm with Titania here. That is really quite offensive towards people with personality disorders. I don't think you understand what a personality disorder really is, and seeing as you apparently are too lazy to do the research that everyone is suggesting you do, here's a summary:

A deeply ingrained and maladaptive pattern of behavior of a specified kind, typically manifest by the time one reaches adolescence and causing long-term difficulties in personal relationships or in functioning in society

That's a simple definition acquired by typing "definition personality disorder" into google. Um, my ten year cousin could do that.

I am perfectly normal. Most people have no idea there's anything wrong with me. I have some close friends, I do really well on my course, am at a really good university. I'm hardworking, I try to be kind and generous. That's a pretty normal type of person. No one actually noticed there was anything wrong with me until after I turned 18. There is nothing wrong with my personality that makes me abnormal.

My doctor is not criticising my personality. He's telling me that I have poor coping skills, and is medicating me to make me stable enough to be able to respond to therapy so I can learn to cope better. No one is trying to make me "become normal". They're telling me that self harming, purging and restricting, overdosing, and other behaviours I have developed in order to cope are unhealthy. They're trying to help me fix that. They aren't trying to fix me as a whole, just those coping methods.

Personally, I don't feel at all that my personality is being criticised. I'm actually very relieved that they've given me name for what I'm feeling, given me the option of taking medication that I firmly believe has saved my life, and helping me get therapy. I'm relieved that people are finally acknowledging that 18 years of emotional abuse from my parents has hurt me, and that I need help getting better.

That has nothing to do with fixing me, and nothing to do with there being something wrong with my personality. I just can't cope with past trauma. That's what needs to be fixed.

I'd thank you to take your silly beliefs and toss them. Do some research before you start making stupid claims that personality disorders don't exist. What, are you saying I'm not ill? Yeah, I just made all the scars I hide under my clothes for fun, I just overdosed to get attention from people, I just restrict food so that people will pity me. That's total bullshit.

[DamselODistress]

so the pdoc has to "fix" the person who has that "personality disorder" so he or she will become "normal" ?

it was 3 in the morning, and of course you jumped on my poor word choice. I said 'fix' because it took me five minutes to even come up with that, and it wasn't what I wanted to convey. Why does it seem like you're really trying to simply find something to protest and rail against? Research is your friend.

To those with personality disorders, I'm sorry if that word choice offended you. You're not machines to be fixed, you're, frankly, rather awesome people from your posts. Sorry again!

[notfred]

so the pdoc has to "fix" the person who has that "personality disorder" so he or she will become "normal" ?

Treatment is mainly therapy, which is most often not given by a psychiatrist but by a therapist. So you can quit railing against pdocs about personality disorders. The goal is to learn better coping skills and to

recognize maladjusted thinking patterns and replace them with more healthy patterns. Personality disorders tend to get better as people get older but I do not think they become normal, as you seem to understand what "normal" is. It is a life long struggle.

Pdocs are medical docs and deal in medications. Medications are not the focus of treatment for PD's, therapy is.

nf

[y58]

so the pdoc has to "fix" the person who has that "personality disorder" so he or she will become "normal" ?

Seriously? I'm with Titania here. That is really quite offensive towards people with personality disorders. I don't think you understand what a personality disorder really is, and seeing as you apparently are too lazy to do the research that everyone is suggesting you do, here's a summary:

A deeply ingrained and maladaptive pattern of behavior of a specified kind, typically manifest by the time one reaches adolescence and causing long-term difficulties in personal relationships or in functioning in society

That's a simple definition acquired by typing "definition personality disorder" into google. Um, my ten year cousin could do that.

I am perfectly normal. Most people have no idea there's anything wrong with me. I have some close friends, I do really well on my course, am at a really good university. I'm hardworking, I try to be kind and generous. That's a pretty normal type of person. No one actually noticed there was anything wrong with me until after I turned 18. There is nothing wrong with my personality that makes me abnormal.

My doctor is not criticising my personality. He's telling me that I have poor coping skills, and is medicating me to make me stable enough to be able to respond to therapy so I can learn to cope better. No one is trying to make me "become normal". They're telling me that self harming, purging and restricting, overdosing, and other behaviours I have developed in order to cope are unhealthy. They're trying to help me fix that. They aren't trying to fix me as a whole, just those coping methods.

Personally, I don't feel at all that my personality is being criticised. I'm actually very relieved that they've given me name for what I'm feeling, given me the option of taking medication that I firmly believe has saved my life, and helping me get therapy. I'm relieved that people are finally acknowledging that 18 years of emotional abuse from my parents has hurt me, and that I need help getting better.

That has nothing to do with fixing me, and nothing to do with there being something wrong with my personality. I just can't cope with past trauma. That's what needs to be fixed.

I'd thank you to take your silly beliefs and toss them. Do some research before you start making stupid claims that personality disorders don't exist. What, are you saying I'm not ill? Yeah, I just made all the scars I hide under my clothes for fun, I just overdosed to get attention from people, I just restrict food so that people will pity me. That's total bullshit.

I think you explained it really well

[breezy]

hey i think u guys misinterpreted what i said. my question and point has NOTHING to do with meds. sorry if it sounded like that and i think yes its ok to say someone has depression or schizophrenia or bi polar but going as far as judging and critisising someones personality? i think thats going too far.

From someone with true depression who is seriously considering an overdose as. we. speak., I was offended by the bottom-posted original post and then I find you contradict yourself by saying it's okay.

Let me tell you something. If you had any idea of how excruciatingly painful true depression is, you would understand why these "everyone has it at some point in their lives"-type bullshit comments really affect people like myself. I have been hospitalized three times in LESS than a year, just discharged on Sunday for my latest stay. But shit, everyone gets depressed, what the hell was wrong with me? Oh yeah, real depression, as opposed to the blues, can really make you suicidal.

Uneducated opinions and factless statements are the ones that hurt the most. Why don't you read up on depression and anxiety (and personality disorders as well--I'm not trying to neglect them on my rant here) on Webmd, Mayo Clinc, PsychCentral before making these comments? If you're just being an ass, then by all means let's continue this nice little discussion we've got going on here, but if you're here to troll and bully, we've had it before so just go.

I really hope nobody in your life suffers from MI. Because I would feel bad for them.

i dont like the way pdocs keep labeling everything and everyone. fair enough schizophrenia, bipolar, depression but saying someone has a personality disorder. so now peoples personality's aren't normal and means ur ill? and within reason anxiety and depression everyone has at some point in their lives. does that mean everyone is mentally ill?

and what exactly is the pdoc supposed to do other than give drugs? so if u have this and that then he is meant to change u back to normal so u dont have that diagnoses anymore, then u r "better", then everyone will be exactly the same.

there is no normal. what makes someone interesting and fun is the way they are. everyone is unique.

MI = normal because everyone is interesting and fun so therefore there is no normal, and thus no MI? My head just exploded.

[hallowedink]

Thank you Bri.

[breezy]

Anytime