Do you have a mental illness?

[stevenhords]

Its all depend upon the stress that mind have if mind is not getting the rest the things will be worst to be suffer for.The mental problems make the human ill in all stage of his ife is well.

[BigBL87]

Just going to say, it would be better to ask if one has ever had one, rather than "do you have one." Some psychological disorders can be transient and eventually go away, such as when I had symptoms of PTSD for some time after a car accident. I could have been diagnose with it, but I wouldn't fit the criteria any more. Just a thought!

[TheBabyEater]

I'm gonna answer the questions cause I'm cool


Have you had a mental illness?
Diagnosed and on meds for depression, however I wish you could pick more than on option cause I also think I have a few... other things, or at least not Depression but something else contributing to my fun little issues, I was just not very honest with the doctor because my mom was there

Have you faced any discrimination for being mentally ill?
Yeah, people don't trust Schizophrenia. Yeah, the voices are telling me to kill you -.-

Are there any positive things you have learned from having a mental illness?
I honestly think it's hard not to, whether people realize it or not. Having one, or being diagnosed with one DOES change you, for better or for worse. And be able to deal with it makes you stronger in every way. It makes you who you are... and honestly, some days I'm glad I deal with the stuff I do, it's made me who I am, someone who's hell bent on "changing the world" It's my driving factor and motivation... Other days I hate it

[Skribbles]

I've been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and depressive personality disorder. I don't think I've ever faced any discrimination at all. And I have learned to relax a little more now.

[Magical Forest.]

Looking at my hospital records this year when I was sectioned, the top diagnoses are...

Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (a bit of a mouthful, was originally diagnosed as severe clinical depression, but my consultant said that it was more than that)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (have known this for a few years, was just re-confirmed)

[juanita_zombie]

I've never been diagnosed with anything, but I think i might have a mental illness or something... I don't know. :\
My regular family doctor said i might have depression and suggested I see a counselor. And I've been feeling really scared a lot. Like I'm always thinking that i'm doing to dye.

[Chromata]

Have you had a mental illness?
Yes; I was diagnosed as bipolar three years ago. I was also diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive tendencies, although I don't know if I explained everything to my therapist.

Have you faced any discrimination for being mentally ill?
No, but I don't talk about it much; I've got better things to do.

Are there any positive things you have learned from having a mental illness?
Yes. I've learned that I'm a lot stronger than I used to believe.

[emma01]

Yep, I was diagnosed with Anorexia about a year ago now (shoot was it that long ago!?!?) And since then ive been hospitalised and fed by a nasogastric tube Now, well mentally im fine , physically though I am really really screwed up! No women bits whatsoever

Um I didn't really get much discrimination - a few of my friends treated me a bit oddly at first though.

Oh man I have learned so much! Im actualy thankful for anorexia, because there is such thing as recovery! Ive learned who my true friends are and Ive learned how strong I must be! Ive learned to try and be more open about my feelings, I usually try and act so much stronger than I am, and use food (well lack of) to cope. But hey, thats who I am, if people want to call me some anorexic freak then fine...but my true friends were there for me every step of the way! Ive learned about other illnesses and learned to help others properly!

[Eternal]

I have been diagnosed with major depressive episodes.

[Batman.]

So, I'm not changing my answer on the poll since I'm still in the diagnostic process, but I've officially been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder.

I'm still sure I have Bipolar Disorder as well, since I've had Manic episodes, but the psychiatrist I'm seeing isn't taking the Mania seriously, so I'm going to get a 2nd opinion, I hope. Especially since I've had symptoms exclusive to Bipolar Disorder, symptoms exclusive to Borderline Personality Disorder, AND the crossover symptoms too.

[actingpassion123]

When I was in the hospital I was diagnosed with Severe Clinical Depression, PTSD, and Psychotic NOS (for illogical thinking). Since then I was also diagnosed with Anorexia which turned into EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified). I think the PTSD is a whole lot better. The Psychotic NOS is dealt well with medication. The depression and EDNOS is pretty sucky at the moment.

I did face discrimination because I went to a small high school and everyone knew when I went to the hospital. People would talk about me behind my back and I never got voted onto the Student Council or Honor Council again. I've also been discriminated against by doctors when they see my medication list. But, through all of this I've realized who my true friends are. Who I can rely on no matter what. It's also helped me in finding the right doctors who truly care.

I have become a lot stronger (all though it doesn't feel like that at the moment). It's also really inspired me to help people that go through this things. I now want to be a counselor.

[Evanescent]

I am diagnosed with 8 different mental disorders.

[Batman.]

Originally Posted by sassygurlone

I am diagnosed with 8 different mental disorders.

Which ones, if you don't mind the asking?

[Evanescent]

Originally Posted by Thirteen

Which ones, if you don't mind the asking?

Major depression with severe psychosis, Dystimia, OCD, PTSD, Schizophrenia, Borderline Personality Disorder, past Anorexia Nervosa, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Dyslexia--so actually 9

[*AbbyRoad]

I think I have a mental Illness. OCD. But I am not sure and with all that is happening in my life, I don;t need more.

[Invisible...]

Have you had a mental illness?

I have a few mental illnesses.

Have you faced any discrimination for being mentally ill?

Yes, many, and I hate them, they make me feel horrible.

Are there any positive things you have learned from having a mental illness?

I have learned who my true friends are and how God is helping me grow stronger

[Evanesco]

I've never been diagnosed with anything, but I think this is because I've never been to a doctor to get diagnosed, I've kept everything to myself. I'm pretty sure I have something but I don't want to get told that I do because that would make it too real.

[forfrosne]

I have Dyspraxia, and possibly Depression if those two count. Kinda sucks. Dyspraxia really ruins my school life in a lot of ways, as I have it about as bad as you can get it

[lola jonson]

depression is a mental disorder right? i think it is.....
if so, then yeah i have it.

[L'espoir]

Depression & anxiety. Fun stuff

[Nicole26]

I haven't been diagnosed but I am pretty sure I have PTSD and depression...

[CollegeStudent19]

I was diagnosed with:
MDD - Major Depressive Disorder
and
Chronic PTSD -Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

[Just Peachy.]

I suffer from major depression.

[Ashes2493]

I had major depression for about 3 years and I've overcome it.
But some people in my life ruining my recovery.

[Bibliophile]

Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa.

[ReasonsForRecovery]

Yes I have a mental illness called bipolar disorder.

[Rainbow Ninja]

i been diognosed with depression bipolar adhd idk if that is mental illness though and anxiety

[anony mouse.]

I'm almost positive I have borderline personality disorder. (Though seeing as that's the new 'popular' thing for doctors to diagnose you with, I'm not really sure anymore.) I've been formally diagnosed with depression.

[FairyPoppins]

Those of you who have been on this site for a long time will know that I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Clinical Depression a few years ago. I don't feel that I now suffer with either.

I didn't disclose my diagnoses to many people, so I don't believe I suffered any discrimination. Although, to this day, I am convinced that if I had been open about my problems, I would have faced discrimination, especially since I work with children.

I have learnt a wealth of positive things since I became ill. The obvious one being never to take good health for granted, whether it be mental or physical. Also, never assume you understand what someone else is going through - some things are impossible to imagine unless you have actually been affected (e.g. severe OCD). Thirdly, just because someone looks healthy it doesn't mean that they are, mentally or physically - people become very good at concealing their illnesses to avoid the stigma and appear "normal". Lastly, I have learnt that recovery is possible, despite the fact that when you're in the darkest days of your illness, you can't see how you can ever be free.

[daisyduck]

Diagnosed with: ptsd, anxiety, depression

I sometimes SH, i'm not sure what that falls under.

undiagnosed that i experience a lot: insomnia , maladaptive daydreaming

[Just a nobody]

I've been diagnosed with Major Depression, General Anxiety Disorder, and EDNOS, if that counts. I haven't really been discriminated against because of it, luckily.

[Stargazed.]

Have you had a mental illness?
Yes. I was diagnosed with Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and they're studying me for Bipolar. I have also diagnosed myself with EDNOS.

Have you faced any discrimination for being mentally ill?
Yes. I've gotten made fun of for being "too organized", I've gotten made of for self-harm, I've also gotten made fun of for going to therapy.. It's been tough..

Are there any positive things you have learned from having a mental illness?
Never judge someone because you never know what they're going through. Since I experienced so much discrimination for being mentally ill, I realized that I shouldn't judge other people..

I also realized through group therapy that I'm not alone and there are other people who feel the way that I do..

[alibear101]

Have you had a mental illness? Yes, I was diagnosed 2 years ago with depression and mild anxiety.
Have you faced any discrimination for being mentally ill? Yes, a lot of people have disconnected with me entirely when I tell them I have a mental illness. If i tell people about the suicide they say that I'm insane and should be locked up. People tell me the only reason I am depressed is because I like the attention. It hurts a lot because its not true in anyway
Are there any positive things you have learned from having a mental illness? I have been offered a lot of great opportunities from being mentally ill. I am involved with something called new mentality all about reducing stigmas of mental health issues. i am also involved with a magazine called posse about reducing self harm with drugs and injuries etc... its all fantastic. I also get many opportunities to speak about my struggles with depression.

[C0co]

I voted yes. I've been diagnosed with Depression, OCD and ADD.

[Batman.]

Well, I realized, I've never answered this properly!

Have you had a mental illness?
I've been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (by the psychiatrist I saw), it's pretty much been established that I have bad Anxiety *possibly GAD* (I've been given medication for my Anxiety by my GP), and I'm sure (as well as other people I know are sure) I have Bipolar Disorder, so I'm on a waitlist with a Mood Disorder Clinic to figure out that one.

Have you faced any discrimination for being mentally ill?
I haven't told many people, but some people have tried to act like I'm faking it, some people have tried to fake mental illnesses to "compete" with me (at least, that's what it seems like), but some people (like close friends, online friends, and my boyfriend) have treated me no different .

Discrimination? Maybe, though none of the above would be such. I've been made fun of because of the fact people see me as a "freak", by looks and personality I guess. I had some bad flip-outs in high school that got me labelled as a "Psycho".

Are there any positive things you have learned from having a mental illness?
I guess I can safely say that I have a good idea of who in my life is true to me or not, as far as friendships go. Also, I think that having mental health issues has given me more incentive to be properly informed about mental illnesses, rather than making assumptions (unlike some of the people I have known without mental illnesses, who throw "Bipolar" and "Schizo" around when they argue with someone, or see someone acting a certain way on TV).

[cardio]

My ex-boyfriend and his mother (who is a psychologist) thought I had an anxiety disorder a year or so back.
I think I probably have something, but I'm not sure. I just seem to not be able to cope and get way more upset than everyone else I know. I think I probably at least have an anxiety disorder. I'm going to start therapy, so that should be able to help me figure everything out somewhat.

[BlueWolf]

Have you had a mental illness?
Yes, I have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depression (This was changed to Mood Disorder NOS but when I switched psychs I was told that my paperwork said Major Depression), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. However, after a recent event, my psychiatrist thinks it is possible that I have Panic Disorder.

Have you faced any discrimination for being mentally ill?
I really have not told anyone except for a very select few. The only discrimination I found was from my dad.

Are there any positive things you have learned from having a mental illness?
I have learned a good understanding of mental illnesses and what little control people actually have over them.

[i_like_black]

I responded "yes" to the poll.

My current diagnoses are Bipolar II, A.D.H.D. combined types, and Borderline Traits.
Clarification of diagnosis is a goal of my current treatment.

I'm on an S.S.R.I. for the first time and if that works how it's supposed to, then I think the Bipolar diagnosis will be changed.

But also, my entire diagnosis may be changed as we've recently discovered there is still noticeable damage to my left frontal lobe from a head injury I had as a ten year old - with this is mind, a lot of my symptoms could be potentially re-classified as post-concussion syndrome. Which would be interesting for me.

Discrimination? Plenty, in plenty of ways.

Learning - ongoing. Don't feel like going into it right now but I feel like I'm always learning loads about myself and how to manage stuff.

[Bubbly751]

Major depression, bipolar tendencies and suicidal tendencies.

I havnt really faced discrimination other than at school. So not really a big deal.

I have learned how to be more compassionate to others. You can't always see what's going on in someone else's life. I also have learned patience and to never give up fighting for yourself.

[Turtle760]

I have been diagnosed with Schizo effective disorder, anxiety disorder and clinical depression.

Discrimination? Well its hard to be discriminated against when you aren't in society very much, but the very little I am in society I find it to be downright insulting.

Positive stuff: Well, I have learned to just be myself no matter what, of that counts for anything.