Mental Illness

[j-unique]

Ah, so we're really talking about a lay person's concept of "Mentally Ill"; in other words "nuts".   A lay person's definition of mental illness is simply, someone that doesn't behave in a manner that I am comfortable with.

As far as I understand it, it's not only a concept of lay persons: "mentally ill" primarily means "shows unwanted social behavior". It's also kind of a "small criminal law": all the things which are unwanted, but not illegal, can be classified as "mentally ill" and – if desired – persecuted accordingly (forced treatment etc.). Just have a look at homosexuality: first, it was illegal (and it's still in many countries!), then it was still a mental disorder, and nowadays it's neither illegal, nor a disorder and most poeple don't care about it. What remains are the destroyed lifes of jailed and "treated" persons who were (and still are, in my countries) degraded and persecuted for nothing.

So, as soon as one leaves the well-prepared paths of how they are allowed to be and behave (for instance, by questioning their assigned sexuality or gender), they will automatically touch upon being seen as mentally ill, hostile, etc. That's just how social norms work.

What it means to me: I don't care about what's mentally ill and what's not. I'm myself, and I know that other people have "their opinions" on that. It's sad, but you can't do it right for everyone. I guess it's better to find people around you who don't care about "mental illness".

[kelly_aus]

What is the treatment of F64.0?

Doesn't matter as it about to be removed as a disorder by the WHO - who are the only group with any standing that actually still list it as a disorder..

[becky.rw]

j-unique, I don't seek to disregard the suffering of those whose lives were destroyed in the past by malevolent practice.    The poster is, however, living with us in the present and referencing the notion of being mentally ill.

As much as folks don't like the idea, mental illness can compromise the ability to give consent and make informed choices; and thus, there will always be legal pathways available for involuntary commitment.    That is not a bad thing, it is just a real thing.   We should always do our best, however, to insure that any involuntary commitment is done with the greatest possible dignity, comfort, and well being of the patient in mind; it is NOT supposed to be, and shall not be treated as punishment.     That is our modern world.

The biggest challenge for most though, with regard to mental illness, is getting some form of treatment in the first place,  without having that treatment or the fact of having sought it, break the rest of their lives.    In short, the legal framework for an ethical treatment of mental illness is largely falling in place, something to be proud of;  but societal prejudice lags far behind, and can exact an atrocious price on those who would voluntary seek out help for a mental illness.

[JoanneB]

Thats one oft the major problems: I started to late. Much too late. Most problems wouldnt there if i  had started in my 20s of earlier.

If I "Followed Through" on either of my two transition experiments in my early 20's, I'd either be A) Dead, B) dead, or C) Well Pickled and soon dead. Age does not equal maturity. Back then I was a basket case. None to well negative self esteem. Been teased unmercifully as a kid because of my physical differences. Been a social outcast, loner, introvert, whatever you want to call it as much as I could. Though I lived in the shadow of NYC, or "TransCentral" as my wife calls it, I never dared to reach out to anyone about my "Sickness".

It took me a good 30 more years before I came to some level of accepting myself for being this "Thing" that I am. What helped me immensely was a support system that had run the gauntlet and survived, otherwise known as my TG Support group. If I had to rely on my somewhat supportive wife but.... not thrilled, I's either be A) Likely Dead.....

My point being, your only support system seems to be people totally, completely and morally "Justified", against your decisions. You are in a no win situation, as you likely realized before starting on this path. If anything changed it's their empowerment now to say "I Told You So"

No One in their right mind wants to be trans. It totally sucks. The truth is No One who isn't trans cannot understand the breadth of issues we face on what often seems like an hourly basis. My gender therapist, God bless her soul, is great with keeping me sane. Being able to grok what I often go through.... well not so great but still offers the insights I guess I need since I continue to see her.

You are far from alone in questioning "Did I do the right thing". If you really think about it, it is the human condition. I get paid pretty well to "What If....." things to death. A lot of what I design and deal with will lay a world of hurt on people if they do something silly. And that included doctors in a past life. I am often paralyzed in applying that same well honed skill to myself. It is so very hard to know for sure before, and after a major life change if you did indeed "Do the right thing". There will always be others that have opinions on why something should have been done one way or another. Engineering is no different. With designing stuff you have the luxury of knowing many others haven't a clue. When it comes to "Life".... Well, it is so much easier to tell others what to do with their life, then it is to fix your own life. So people feel free to offer their unsolicited advice.

I know one trans woman very well. She is some..... 30 years post-op. She has questions. Her life isn't "What she expected.....". The alternate scenario is far grimmer. I doubt there are many people in today's world that say "Hey! My life is EVERYTHING I want it to be".

Did you follow this path for yourself? Or, did you do what 'Others' told or expected you to do? Most people take the easier road of doing what is expected. I sure did for decades. I am thankful that I stopped and started or tried to do for Me. The hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. Seven years later it still eats up a tremendous amount of emotional energy. They joy I feel in return easily pays that tab.

Such is life

[Tanya62]

Ok, so I'm a few weeks late seeing your post JoanneB, but wow, you sure hit the nail on the head. The choices of A, B,  or C, the eventual leaving off of people who really don't have your best interests at heart, the time frame of realizing which way is up, and so on. I understand this was directed at Galaxy, but who couldn't appreciate the truth about life as we know it now? And the questions keep coming, and the answers are not always there. Thanks for posting this.

[stephaniec]

I read a lot the last days about transsexuality. Mental illness describes my problems a lot better than the belief i would be woman. I'm no woman. I don't see it in the mirror. After all, I'm found out that I'm mental ill. And of course. Everything what i beliefed is a lie and a fake. 

I recently realized that after a life long problem with  depression and pain and being trans is that I'm mentally ill. It's the only fact that makes any sense.