just a rant about the stimga of PD

[CupcakeLove]

The other day in class, one of my professors was talking about how Panic Disorder, social Anxiety, agoraphobia weren't "real' illnesses. Ever since I was diagnosed with panic disorder, I've gotten used to a lot of people thinking that it's not a real problem, that its something created by the psychiatric community.

However, what my professor said got me thinking. I've always been too embarrassed to talk about my PD to anyone other than my doctor, my family, and a few friends. Whenever I miss class because of my panic attacks, I make up excuses to tell my professors- I am to ashamed to admit I have panic attacks. It's just so aggravating to feel like I can't be honest about whats wrong with me. I feel as though they will think less of me as a person. Hopefully I'm wrong, and most people would be more understanding than I think they would be.

[Cuchculan]

It can be like the best kept secret at times. I remember not even wanting to tell my own mother about my condition. And I was living under the same roof as her. I think it all to do with us trying to make sense of it first. Because when it first hits we have no real idea what it going on. We have so many questions and not enough answers. As time moves along we learn more about things. Then we decide if we want to open up to others or not. I think I went a year without getting any sort of help when it first began to effect me. Which, I know now, was the worst thing I could have done. There is still a stigma of sorts that sounds any mental health issues. Some people are ignorant to such conditions. They head you are seen a shrink and they class you as mad. That is probably one of the biggest fears amongst sufferers. How will others look at them. Will they understand. And then to have it classed as not a real illness? I am sure if people who didn't suffer from it lived in our shoes for a few months they might change their tune. The question you could ask back is ' how can a person claim disability benefit ' from it if it not a real illness? That is like saying, you are not sick, but here is some money anyway, stay off work for as long as you want. By the word mental, which in meaning, means of the mind, is the only thing I do accept. It is an illness of the mind. All illnesses can be corrected if treated correctly. Anxiety, depression and the likes are all the same too. If treated in the correct way they can be righted. But again, if it is not an illness, why get treatment for it? So ignore the ignorant ones. They don't have to walk in your footsteps. Live your life. Only we know what it can do to people. And I have seen many a strong person fall on their knees because of it.

[29sillygirl]

Yep.  There still is a stigma attached to 'mental/nervous' issues.  We are sensitive to this, so try to hide.
I know better, but have avoided my shrink for 6 months now.  What is up with that??? It does cost ...Medicare won't pay....so there you have it.  Even the f****** insurance people believe we don't need help: they have also stopped paying for clonazapam. Bad, bad companies .   We have a struggle no doubt about that.  Misunderstood most of the time....won't add to rant much except I've been thru' it all: eat organic and it will all go away   Religion is the answer: meds are tool of the devil
and on and on.  I chose my allies and steer clear of those who have no idea of what we go thru' just to get to market or around the block by ourselves.  The flip side of panic disorder is that I believe we are super and loving sensitive people.  Hold that thought and take your meds.