cheshire_chick

I can empathize with those type of feelings. I have an excoriation disorder that has been ever-present since I was about 11. I have different types of scars and wounds completely covering my arms and parts of my legs. It's sort of correlated with self-injury, depression, anxiety and all that stuff combined. Its gets worse and better in waves over the years. I never uncover my arms in public. I can't imagine how I would cope if I were no longer able to just pull sleeves over it.
You do deserve to feel better about it, though. Even if it doesn't seem that way for whatever reason we might tell ourselves. Sometimes universities and colleges will offer reduced or free dental care from people studying, it might be worth looking into.
I wish you luck, to be able to feel happy with yourself.

Or are we just making more categories, more diagnoses, and adding awareness to it all?
The population has increased extremely fast over recent generations, and I think it's making people more isolated. Millions of people floating in the ether with no purpose or connection to each other. I was watching some documentaries and doing some research about the Behavioral Sink concept, and population studies on mice by John B. Calhoun. If you're interested in psychology and societal-issues at all I'd recommend giving it some of your time (Youtube videos are always easy to find).
We don't seem to have any plans in the developed world for monitoring or addressing our growing population. I wonder if mental health issues are worse in densely populated areas of the world. I feel like we're only at the beginning of researching and figuring out mental health, I'm worried I'm going to see it become more prevalent and dangerous as I grow older. How are we supposed to address this as a global community? Even when we have everything; food, water, shelter, medicine etc., we end up with millions of mentally destabilized people. So what's going on?

I watched The Last House on the Left
I think I'd seen it before when I was a young teen but mostly forgot about it. Very intense! Would recommend for horror fans.

Or are we just making more categories, more diagnoses, and adding awareness to it all?
The population has increased extremely fast over recent generations, and I think it's making people more isolated. Millions of people floating in the ether with no purpose or connection to each other. I was watching some documentaries and doing some research about the Behavioral Sink concept, and population studies on mice by John B. Calhoun. If you're interested in psychology and societal-issues at all I'd recommend giving it some of your time (Youtube videos are always easy to find).
We don't seem to have any plans in the developed world for monitoring or addressing our growing population. I wonder if mental health issues are worse in densely populated areas of the world. I feel like we're only at the beginning of researching and figuring out mental health, I'm worried I'm going to see it become more prevalent and dangerous as I grow older. How are we supposed to address this as a global community? Even when we have everything; food, water, shelter, medicine etc., we end up with millions of mentally destabilized people. So what's going on?

I have to look at my situation 2 ways; 1 is that I'm lucky I'm not told off or put down for having depression. But then 2 it's also heartbreaking that no one wants to talk to me about it ever, and I'm extremely isolated. When I was first diagnosed with BPD I said to my dad 'so we finally figured out a diagnosis' and before I explained anything I was told 'yah but you don't have to listen to them.' That was years ago, and I've never brought it up again. My boundaries involve a locked door, sealed lips, and fake smile.
Be proud of yourself for not only acknowledging your issues, but getting yourself help! Your brother thinks depression doesn't exist because he's never had it. There's a difference between losing your job and feeling depressed for a few months, and being diagnosed with long-standing mental illness. There is a difference, but I find people like that just lump it all together in their heads. I'm curious what he thinks about the tens of thousands of people who end their own life every year just in the U.S.... Weakness? Or futility? 
Being told to pray it away... that's like telling someone to pray the gay away. It's just absurd. If you didn't ask her for a solution she shouldn't be giving you one. And no one gets to tell you how and when to use your own spirituality, or how, or why. Atheists get depression, too.
I wish you luck and success with your therapy.

Or are we just making more categories, more diagnoses, and adding awareness to it all?
The population has increased extremely fast over recent generations, and I think it's making people more isolated. Millions of people floating in the ether with no purpose or connection to each other. I was watching some documentaries and doing some research about the Behavioral Sink concept, and population studies on mice by John B. Calhoun. If you're interested in psychology and societal-issues at all I'd recommend giving it some of your time (Youtube videos are always easy to find).
We don't seem to have any plans in the developed world for monitoring or addressing our growing population. I wonder if mental health issues are worse in densely populated areas of the world. I feel like we're only at the beginning of researching and figuring out mental health, I'm worried I'm going to see it become more prevalent and dangerous as I grow older. How are we supposed to address this as a global community? Even when we have everything; food, water, shelter, medicine etc., we end up with millions of mentally destabilized people. So what's going on?

Or are we just making more categories, more diagnoses, and adding awareness to it all?
The population has increased extremely fast over recent generations, and I think it's making people more isolated. Millions of people floating in the ether with no purpose or connection to each other. I was watching some documentaries and doing some research about the Behavioral Sink concept, and population studies on mice by John B. Calhoun. If you're interested in psychology and societal-issues at all I'd recommend giving it some of your time (Youtube videos are always easy to find).
We don't seem to have any plans in the developed world for monitoring or addressing our growing population. I wonder if mental health issues are worse in densely populated areas of the world. I feel like we're only at the beginning of researching and figuring out mental health, I'm worried I'm going to see it become more prevalent and dangerous as I grow older. How are we supposed to address this as a global community? Even when we have everything; food, water, shelter, medicine etc., we end up with millions of mentally destabilized people. So what's going on?

Or are we just making more categories, more diagnoses, and adding awareness to it all?
The population has increased extremely fast over recent generations, and I think it's making people more isolated. Millions of people floating in the ether with no purpose or connection to each other. I was watching some documentaries and doing some research about the Behavioral Sink concept, and population studies on mice by John B. Calhoun. If you're interested in psychology and societal-issues at all I'd recommend giving it some of your time (Youtube videos are always easy to find).
We don't seem to have any plans in the developed world for monitoring or addressing our growing population. I wonder if mental health issues are worse in densely populated areas of the world. I feel like we're only at the beginning of researching and figuring out mental health, I'm worried I'm going to see it become more prevalent and dangerous as I grow older. How are we supposed to address this as a global community? Even when we have everything; food, water, shelter, medicine etc., we end up with millions of mentally destabilized people. So what's going on?

I watched The Last House on the Left
I think I'd seen it before when I was a young teen but mostly forgot about it. Very intense! Would recommend for horror fans.

Or are we just making more categories, more diagnoses, and adding awareness to it all?
The population has increased extremely fast over recent generations, and I think it's making people more isolated. Millions of people floating in the ether with no purpose or connection to each other. I was watching some documentaries and doing some research about the Behavioral Sink concept, and population studies on mice by John B. Calhoun. If you're interested in psychology and societal-issues at all I'd recommend giving it some of your time (Youtube videos are always easy to find).
We don't seem to have any plans in the developed world for monitoring or addressing our growing population. I wonder if mental health issues are worse in densely populated areas of the world. I feel like we're only at the beginning of researching and figuring out mental health, I'm worried I'm going to see it become more prevalent and dangerous as I grow older. How are we supposed to address this as a global community? Even when we have everything; food, water, shelter, medicine etc., we end up with millions of mentally destabilized people. So what's going on?

I watched The Last House on the Left
I think I'd seen it before when I was a young teen but mostly forgot about it. Very intense! Would recommend for horror fans.

I have a sister who tells me to pray my "depression" away or that I'm doing this or that on purpose.
My brother says depression doesn't exist, it's just weak people who need to "do something about it."  Fix it, move on.
People like this, family, are toxic.  They'll make depression worse, they can be behind your depression and problems.  My sister was a terrorizing bully, and my brother was physically abuse.  I shrank, it was the strongest will survive in my house and I didn't.  I ran at 19, from the South way up to the North into the hands of an abusive alcoholic aunt.  Then, now, I'm back near this family, but our mom is gone and I'm dealing with them again.  I have a new therapist, whew, so tired of going to treatment--but I can't stop.  Also, learned a new word, "boundaries."  2020, it'll be interesting to say the least.

Tsar B - Escalate

Tsar B - Escalate

Lately I feel like I am behind a glass barrier of sorts watching the world go by, but I'm not in it.  I feel really detached.  Its like your stuck on deserted island and people know you are there but don't want to rescue you.  And it is the deepening depression and anxiety which I feel is controlling me more and more.   Trying to keep in the routine making appointments, meetings, being out and about with friends or family is harder and harder, always having to wear that phony mask of what people expect to see not what you really are.  It is kind of a charade of sorts that can be very lonely and isolating even when surrounded by people.  I watch people go by or talk with friends who aren't depressed and I'm jealous.  It would be nice to participate in the real world again without being riddled by constant worrying, feeling hopeless, broken and lost.  I have been in therapy a long time, but I have taken almost a year break because it really wasn't helping but making things worse.  My story and having a chronic illness to boot is very complicated more than most therapists want to take on at this juncture.  A positive is I have just recently hooked up with a behavioral therapist associated with the medical staff at the medical center I go to.  Even with only two one half hour sessions she has helped me more than the other two therapists I have seen.  I feel she really understands, sends me home with very useful anxiety and calming exercises, and working for the same medical system I go to she has access to my records and docs to get a fuller picture.  She is my Christmas gift.  Also I am very grateful to the members of the forum with whom I know I can be myself and talk frankly, and vice versa.  In particular one person who has helped me more than I think he knows.  I feel I am part of the world knowing you, not just an observer, and that means everything right now.  Really appreciate it!
It is hard to predict what 2020 has in store for us with regard to all that is going on with our country, the climate, and the world.  But for us I hope we find a break in the clouds and find that beam of sunshine we all deserve.

I have years without go out. I just woke up right now and... theres nothing much to do, just felt the voidness of stare blankly. No one to talk during the day, just see how the day goes away, knowing its going to be the same for the next one. 

Did you choose to let them know?
How did you decide who to tell?
Who in your life knows? Do they know everything?
How has it helped -
to let other people know?
to keep it private?
Thanks.
 

Hi cheshire_chick,
That certainly seems like a reasonable feeling.  Trust is not only extremely difficult and potentially beyond one's abilities, but creates a highly vulnerable sphere of existence that can cause a wide range of thoughts and feelings that could be just as severe as a reaction to an allergen.  Therefore, it is completely reasonable to want to avoid it like someone with a peanut allergy would avoid peanuts.  The major difference would be the reality that trust is something that plays a role in everyday life - in every encounter, every relationship.  
I'd definitely say that your post is an insightful one.

Why do you get to say what "everyone" has? I do not have faith. The sun rising and falling, that's called evidence, and a falsifiable observation.
You may have faith. I wouldn't tell you otherwise. But I don't.
I'm glad you are telling people to realize how awesome they are, though. We are all important.

@DurandalBlue Saying consciousness dissolves was more my summation of the point I made: "There is no evidence of any intellectual activity occurring without a brain." There is evidence of decay. There is no evidence of a continuation of anything once the brain is gone. Also, there are only "Near Death Experiences." There are absolutely no "After Death Experiences..."
Jeff Long is famous for a book he wrote, and not for peer-reviewed scientific journals. It's a hypothesis, and based on his opinion. Until something is clearly demonstrated with the same expected results consistently occurring every time - it is not a fact. Or at least it has yet to be proven.
There are countless people with doctorates or degrees that still believe the earth is 6000 years old. Just because they believe that, even if they write a book, or provide their own "studies" that have mixed results - doesn't mean they have revealed a theory or factual evidence.
And honestly I do appreciate that it is just your take on things, as you said. Nothing I am saying is in hostility or ill intended. I enjoy hearing other people's thoughts :)

So provide some evidence, then. I would think it would help the original poster. I don't have the burden of proof - I am not claiming anything. You say there is proof, I have yet to see that. What we do have proof of is death and decay. If you do have some evidence of intellectual processing/thinking outside of a brain - then please do share!

@DurandalBlue Saying consciousness dissolves was more my summation of the point I made: "There is no evidence of any intellectual activity occurring without a brain." There is evidence of decay. There is no evidence of a continuation of anything once the brain is gone. Also, there are only "Near Death Experiences." There are absolutely no "After Death Experiences..."
Jeff Long is famous for a book he wrote, and not for peer-reviewed scientific journals. It's a hypothesis, and based on his opinion. Until something is clearly demonstrated with the same expected results consistently occurring every time - it is not a fact. Or at least it has yet to be proven.
There are countless people with doctorates or degrees that still believe the earth is 6000 years old. Just because they believe that, even if they write a book, or provide their own "studies" that have mixed results - doesn't mean they have revealed a theory or factual evidence.
And honestly I do appreciate that it is just your take on things, as you said. Nothing I am saying is in hostility or ill intended. I enjoy hearing other people's thoughts :)

Anecdotal evidence can contribute to something like a court case, but it doesn't stand alone. No judge would make any sentencing just based on the stories of people - especially if the stories didn't match up across the board.
People who have had a religious appeal near death, don't always have the same feeling or idea, especially across time and cultures. Astral projection and the like have never been proven, or successfully shown to anyone - other than the person telling their story. There is nothing else in life that we tell people are true with that kind of "evidence". If you say it's your opinion, or it's what you think - then fine. But telling people it is real, without being able to show it - then that's just ridiculous.
Choosing a number of stories to take into account doesn't change how credible the evidence is. Just because a million or more people believed that black people were sub-human and uncivilized in the past - doesn't mean it was justified. Even if they had supporting anecdotes. That's just not how it works.
It's only an impasse when someone stops presenting their case, or goes silent. Either way, I don't particularly mind, I just enjoy the conversation.

I too, respect your right to your beliefs. I do enjoy talking about these things and hearing how other people think.
Multiple anecdotes do not equal evidence. The majority of the world, at some point in time, would have willfully attested to the "fact" that the sun died each night and would only return upon worship or prayer. I mean, the sun always came back and they said that was how it worked, so it must be true right?

Exactly. I do not believe things to be true that I do not have sufficient evidence for. I understand that some people do.
 
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens