This is going to be a thread, I can feel it: Tw/ mental illness

It’s so uncomfortable when I realize that most people don’t really understand what a mental illness is, and the huge role they play in how people can or cannot function. There’s such a lack of empathy or flexibility. I’d like to talk about it.

These are my experiences. I can only speak for myself. I’m not really what people think mental illness looks like, judging from how shocked people are when they witness my mental illness in real time. I tell people in both a bid for some understanding and to normalize

the conversations about mental health. I grew up in a very bad situation and the trauma destroyed my mental well being. As an adult I have anxiety Disorder, PTSD, and Depression. These aren’t things I choose for myself, these are the results of extensive trauma

Over a long period of time. There are what I call accessory issues as well. Some days my face looks physically wrong. Some days I’m not quite in myself. Some nights I check the doors multiple times. Sometimes it’s the windows that get checked. It sucks.

I take medication for the anxiety and depression, and it goes a long way towards helping me be able to function. I can work. I can go shopping. But let someone yell at me. Let people get loud, or angry. Then I can’t, and it gets very obvious there’s a problem.

This affects my friendships, ability to form relationships, work, and happiness. Mental illness isn’t cute. It’s not quirky. It’s devastating. Please keep that in mind when you see your co workers struggling.