We are all the same?
I was not the only one dealing with that problem. I realised that most people in some way dealt with the same thing. I knew I was not alone, and even though I know its a widespread problem, I was reminded that a lot of our problems are not exclusive to us.
Yes, we are all unique, we all have our own journeys, our own experiences.
BUT........
In some ways, essentially, we are all the same.
I could go into the scientific and psychological evidence that covers this topic, but to be honest, it can get pretty confusing reading all that stuff.
I know when I have been in hospital, and have been well enough to attend the group sessions, it always surprised people when the words 'me too' were mentioned.
Somehow knowing somebody else had the same thought, or struggle with the same issue, helped us work through them. It showed us we really are not alone, and we are not 'the odd one out'.
But it goes further than this.
In that example, we were all struggling with mental illness. We knew that each other was going through a similar hardship. There was a connection.
Not only those in a similar situation deal with the same thing.
Its easy to seperate ourselves from others. And to seperate others from each other. People are experts at putting people in boxes.
People with depression can't cope with this, or mothers are the only people working through that. Only full time students would understand this, or Drs are the only ones trying to cope with that.
My daughter has aspergers and often deals with issues that are very hard to understand and control. But this does not mean that she is the only one dealing with this. There are many there people with special needs that suffer in a similar way. Not only that, but ALL kids may be dealing with that particular problem.
Its easy to think that 'normal' people don't have to work through something, or probably would never understand a certain type of thinking.
Although I realise that people suffering from an illness or disorder may have a lot harder time with some things, and have to struggle through stuff nobody should ever have to, its important to realise that we are not alone.
People will say 'me too'. People who you would never expect to understand.
We all need to listen to each other.
Do not downgrade your own issues, or someone else's.
It is true that mental illness increases the difficulty in dealing with a number of things. But also remember we are all human.
We all make mistakes, we all lose our cool. We all cry, laugh, question, get confused.
Everybody at some point has taken bad advice, made bad decisions. In this aspect, we are all the same.
On a side note, knowing we all follow the same ultimate path, doesn't mean we disregard our struggles, or other peoples struggles.
We may suffer more than someone else does, and just because they say they do, don't compare. They may have a harder time working through it, or you might be the one more likely to suffer from it.
The response to understanding these points, is to start to speak out. Treat everyone as unique, be understanding, but be aware other people suffer too, and other people care.
Voice your concerns, speak about your troubles. I know you will be surprised by how many people, whether they have a similar, or quite a different path, will say 'ME TOO'.
We are NOT the same, but we are NOT alone.
I apologise this entry may seem a bit rushed. Not thinking clear enough to write really well, but wanted to get it out.
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