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Mental Health Is Not About Competition

A lot of people say these days, especially those who are not aware about mental health that we, as teenagers and young adults are just being dramatic whenever we try to express how we feel, and as ond of the people who were born in the 2000's, I will be honest that I am one of those people who are aware of mental health. To be honest, it hurts to be invalidated whenever we talk about our feelings, and adults like parents just say that what we are going through mentally is just in our minds. You know what hurts even more? Some people treat and see mental health as a competition or something that it is not. I don't know who will agree or who will not, but some people will say "During our times, what you're experiencing is nothing compared to what I've experienced" or "I had it worse than you did"

Just a reminder: MENTAL HEALTH IS NOT A COMPETITION, SO STOP TREATING IT AND LOOKING AT IT LIKE IT IS A COMPETITION

Everyone has their own experiences, but if we're going to invalidate those experiences that they had, maybe, it's better that we don't speak at all
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Punxi · F
You’re right...pain isn’t something to rank or compare.

Every generation carries its own weight perhaps, but that doesn’t make anyone else’s lighter or less real. What you feel matters, even if someone else doesn’t understand it.

Real strength isn’t saying “I had it worse”....it’s making space so someone else doesn’t have to hurt alone.
SandraMercado · 18-21, F
@Punxi real safe spaces, whether that is a person or a place is rare these days
kodiac · 22-25, M
The worst ones are the just get over it crowd,.
SandraMercado · 18-21, F
@kodiac it is not something that we can just be over with, it needs genuine care
within · 36-40, M
As a guy who suffers from severe mental health (bipolar disorder II, GAD, paranoia and suicidal thoughts), I've been treated like cr*p and got told to just get over it all my life, even by people like my ex-husband who claimed he loved me.
"I was bullied at school too, but I just got over it" he would say. I've lost the count of the fights that ensued, where I would tell him that each person is different and react to life adversities in a different way.

No, I can't get over it. I wish I could, but I can't.

People think I'm lazy because I wfh, but there's a reason why I work remotely: I have a severe form of social anxiety and I panic whenever I have to see people.

This is the result of parents who emotionally neglected me, a bullying brother, a bullying ex-husband and relentless bullying at school/some previous workplaces.

And today I found out that a former online friend (from another site) killed himself in November 2025 and I felt envy... because I wish I had the courage to do the same.
SandraMercado · 18-21, F
@within I'm sorry about that, and I know that it can be difficult, but don't let others make you feel bad for your situation
ScreamingFox · 41-45, F
It's a real problem but as someone who was struggling in the 90s too, I can say it has improved. There is more understanding now, though I know that isn't saying much.

The best thing we can do for each other is to keep asking questions, keep checking in. Gen x and boomers started the whole "eff your feelings" thing and I have no idea why. But it's toxic.

I believe that, in time, there will be better help and more understanding. We are understanding the human brain more and more, soon things will have to change or everyone is gonna go nuts.
SandraMercado · 18-21, F
@ScreamingFox yeah, I experience that
4meAndyou · F
I can't imagine mental health "one-upmanship", but who ever is doing that to you, (and I am just guessing here), obviously has some mental health issues that remain SERIOUSLY unresolved!!!
SandraMercado · 18-21, F
@4meAndyou which unfortunately, not everyone understands
Om2014 · 36-40, M
I think if someone is disturbed by something they genuinely are, are not faking it or over reacting, it's their truth u can't simply reason them to believe that it's over blown, why wud anyone on earth wanna feel bad by choice.
SandraMercado · 18-21, F
@Om2014 I absolutely agree
GoFish ·
Mental health is underrated .. people just don't understand illnesses they aren't familiar with.. when they cant see something they think it isn't real
SandraMercado · 18-21, F
@GoFish I've been there, and I totally understand your point
You're absolutely correct.
SandraMercado · 18-21, F
@SinlessOnslaught don't be afraid to admit struggles. That's human, not weakness
tenente · 36-40, M
I made my psychiatrist cry 🤔 what do I win?
SandraMercado · 18-21, F
@tenente not sure about that

 
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