FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Events and updates

Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

NikNikSenior Contributor

Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

From Monday, 11 Sep – Friday, 15 Sep we are opening the floor to you to share your great and not so great responses people have had when you have shared about your mental health.

With RUOK? Day coming up, we thought rather than looking at what TO say, we thought to put a spin on it and educate others on what NOT to say to someone who has a mental illness.

What do you find unhelpful?

Most importantly - what is the best response someone can have when you disclose about your mental health?

31 replies

11 - 20 of 31
1234

In response to: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

NeelixSenior Contributor

Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

I've heard this more recently 'lots of people have bipolar and live a normal life' or 'most people have depression' ...not sure if the intent is to make me feel normal, inclusive of others or just a 'I dont know what to say' comment...

In response to: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

Shaz51Senior Contributor

Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

you right @Neelix, @BlueBay

In response to: Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

Shaz51Senior Contributor

Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

not sure if the intent is to make me feel normal, inclusive of others or just a 'I dont know what to say' comment... -- I think it could be both @Neelix

the other one "is to keep Busy "

In response to: Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

MaggieSenior Contributor

Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

I've had people tell me I'm demon possessed and tried to deliver me.... I got worse and don't bother with them anymore. Don't tell people they have demons.

In response to: Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

Shaz51Senior Contributor

Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

@Maggie, @NikNik, @Neelix, @BlueBay

Here are some of the other comments that i have heard

“Stop focusing on the bad stuff, and just start living.”

“You have everything you need to get better.”

“You can snap out of it. Everyone feels this way sometimes.”

“Just pray about it.”

“Why can’t you work?”

In response to: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

Unknown userMember

Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

Hi @NikNik

Unhelpful? Can't you get over it, it's in the past. (When going to hospital) is this how you gonna deal with every problem in the future? Don't you enjoy ... (whatever the person is doing for you or with you).

Helpful? I don't actually know if I find it helpful when people acknowledge my "problems" as I think I shouldn't have them. The only thing I really do find helpful is when people take the time to figure out with me what I could do next - and therefore give me "permission" to be nice to myself. I find it also helpful if people take me out to do something they think I will enjoy and point out things I used to enjoy. And if they're ok with me being how I am.

Difficult topic and bey individual.

In response to: Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

MaggieSenior Contributor

Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

@Shaz51 Pull your socks up ...annoys me...so does Chin up...

In response to: Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

Shaz51Senior Contributor

Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

ohh yes @Maggie, I agree

In response to: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

Sans911Senior Contributor

Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

I have a friend who thinks if I just got a few good nights sleep, got out and exercised, looked for the positives, then tomorrow would be a better day. If only! Those are the things depression robs from me.

In response to: Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

frogSenior Contributor

Re: Q&A Info Session // What not to say to someone who has a MI // 11 - 15 Sep

@Neelix I had something similar. When I finally plucked up the courage to tell my sister, she said: my nanny has bipolar and she's fine. I didn't feel like there was anywhere for me to go from there and I regretted disclosing.

11 - 20 of 31
1234

SANE Forums is published by SANE with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.

SANE Forums does not provide crisis support.
If you need immediate assistance, please see available crisis services.

Learn more about SANE and SANE services at sane.org

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

SANE is a public company limited by guarantee and registered tax-exempt charity with DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status.

Charity ABN 92 006 533 606. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. SANE, PO Box 1226, Carlton VIC 3053.