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What are your thoughts?

I have thought about this at times and more recently. I am high functioning with a mental disorder. What I mean is I take medication, see psychiatrist, and for the most part live a "normal" life. That being said, for most people, my friends, co-workers, family etc see me as normal. However, I still manage to experience very anxious moments and at times think of my traumatic events. Anywho, would you consider this a dsibality since I know I have to take my medication in order to function much better in life. At the same time I may function so well it may seem like I don't have any type of mental health illness. I got to thinking about this because I don't know if I am being ethical when it comes to asking for help like things and how they ask if I have a disability and so they are probably able to help me faster. I am very torn between if I am taking advantage of so called "more of hand" when I say I do take medication and see a psychiatrist or if its in my right because I do take it and actually need it. I mean I guess honestly I use my mental disorder in places that I would benefit from. I feel guilty but its the truth. I mean I am not lying about it but at the same time I don't put it down on job applications when ask to disclose if I have a disability because I know I will be probably discriminated against. Its the whole Stigma again that goes along with having a mental illness labeled. AM I wrong for this?

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Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

Tough predicament to be in.
You recognise your problem and actively do something about it.
Then feel you should keep quiet for fear of judgement and possible consequences if you dare say you need something.

I say make a noise !
If it's possible to improve your life playing the disability card, do it.
I know that may have consequences as a result, but if it helps you get what you need and makes you feel better as a result then it's worth doing.

UpForItNow · 22-25, F

A lot of us manage to be functional while struggling with mental issues. It sounds like you're keeping on top of it, and I actually wonder that many more people are not mentally ill with the demands of modern life.

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JaneCas · 26-30, F

@RamessesII What are your thoughts about being ethical related to my post? I am torn between this.

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JaneCas · 26-30, F

@RamessesII Thanks, I guess I feel guilty if I use it as a way to benefit or in some way help me. I try not use it all as a crutch though if I make sense. Plenty of my case managers have asked me to apply for SSI but I know I can work so I refused it, or when I went to college some counselors said I should ask for accommodations and I said no because I could do the work. But its things like if I need help with like time off work cause I am not doing well mentally is where I use it or like asked my psychiatrist to sign a emotional support animal in order to waive my fee for pet rent. These are when I feel wrong because I feel like ppl see me as "normal" or somtiems I see myself that way.

Coppercoil · M

which one.. expose yourself!!! Let us see everything!!!

JaneCas · 26-30, F

@Coppercoil Not sure what you mean. I essentially just did.

Lostpoet · M

JaneCas · 26-30, F

@Lostpoet Whats no?

Lostpoet · M

@JaneCas Your not wrong for not including it in your application.

MartinTheFirst · 22-25, M

no, if there's a tool then use it. Just don't incriminate yourself, which from the sounds of it you're not.

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