I have two very good friends who don't seem to understand a lick about living with a dysfunctional brain. (I really don't know what PC term to use so forgive me if I offend anyone.) I have chronic depression and anxiety, my husband has his own mental challenges as well. We have a very high energy young child who can easily wear us both out within an afternoon. The daily challenges of marriage, parenting, and work are hard enough and they get that, they have husbands and children too, but trying to manage everything while being constantly emotionally challenged means that I have to do things a lot differently than they do.

When we have the normal girl talk about being a mom/wife/woman I find it so difficult to be really honest about what is going on in my life. I have told them both about my and my husband's mental challenges, and they know I see a T, but any disclosure beyond that is met with a lot of advice and challenges. "Just do this" or "you shouldn't feel that way", etc. They are not ignorant about mental health issues. They have either been to a T (a long time ago) or have taken classes in this stuff but I guess they don't want to see me as a "patient" someone who is "unstable" who could go wacko on them at any moment. Instead they treat me like I am just overreacting to things and just need a little advice to help me pull myself together.

I get completely stymied when this happens and don't know what else to say to explain myself. I have a hard enough time talking to people as it is especially when it is about something this personal. I love these women, they are the best friends I have, but it sucks not being able to really be myself with them. They are not mean or uncaring, I think they think they are being supportive, but I do have to be careful about what I tell them.

I wish I knew someone here that is more like me but if anyone around here is they aren't telling, and I don't blame them. Glad to have you guys though. It is very refreshing to be understood and cheered on. Thanks.