17 things that your loved ones with mental illness wish you knew this Thanksgiving. Here are some of the things they say.
- “The thought of being in a room full of people, even family members, is terrifying to me.”
- “With all holidays, but especially Thanksgiving, there’s a tremendous focus on food, which is hard for those struggling with and in recovery from an eating disorder. With this added attention the already food-focused individual may feel overwhelmed, break down, use unhealthy behaviors or even relapse.”
- “Sometimes just being there for us or giving us a hug can help a lot. If we seem sad, don’t ask what’s wrong; ask if we need a hug.”
- “Just understand and don’t judge.”
- “Even though we’re absolutely thankful, we may not be able to show it. Our faces may show depression, grief, anger, or sadness but our hearts are thankful.”
- “If I’m sitting alone it isn’t an invitation to join me. I’ve stepped away to reset my brain.”
- “[Mental illness] is not something you can turn on and off.”
- “Although Thanksgiving dinner is enjoyable, it causes a great deal of anxiety because I don’t like eating around people I don’t know well.”
- “Don’t feel bad if I don’t call you or don’t come to family gatherings. I really love you guys, but sometimes it’s necessary for me to be alone.”
- “I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ve been struggling since I last saw most of you, and I don’t want to talk about it.”
- “Being around groups of people is physically exhausting for me. Please don’t press me to stay longer when I am ready to go home.”
- “I can only take socializing for a little while before I need a break. I know I didn’t used to be that way, but anxiety and depression have made life more difficult. I promise I still love you as much as ever and genuinely am happy to see you.”
- “Being happy is not always a choice.”
- “Loud noises, crowds, yelling and running about really triggers me. I need a quiet place to chill when things get overwhelming.”
- “Talking about it behind my back only makes it worse. If you want to help me change, talk about it with me.”
- “I don’t want to be treated any differently, and you do not need to memorize some politically correct recipe for being around me. If I need something, I will ask! So, by golly, carry on! Be yourselves! Otherwise, it’s just weird watching people walk on eggshells.”
- “I wish people understood that I’m thankful for my mental illness because it has made me a better man than I once was and pushed me to love more and dream bigger than I ever did.”
