Breakdowns; heavy, man

[Mich the Tester]

People with too much time who know that there is someone else around to take over the responsibility when they cant hack it.

It may sound insensitive of me, but I do think that we all run around thinking that so many pointless activities (such as making money) are so important-I am as guilty of this as anyone. I would imagine that there are very few cases of breakdowns or mental illness in parts of the world where people are just simply doing what they can to stay alive.

True to some extent. Most people in the west have got all the basics; food, house, healthcare and all that and find themselves wondering 'what else is there?'

There are many more important things than making tuliploads of dosh, which can give you a lot more satisfaction; for me, they're sport and voluntary work, for others perhaps a hobby or their family. It's a case of getting these things into perspective before you let your life be governed by nonsense. I'm not saying give up on the money or success (how else would Mrs Tester's shoe cupboard be financed?), but work out for yourself what you really care about and give that your energy.

However, look at the amount of substance abuse in the third world and you'll see that people there have their unhealthy escape routes too.

[DodgyAgent]

However, look at the amount of substance abuse in the third world and you'll see that people there have their unhealthy escape routes too.

Fair point

[horza]

What the Third World have is the same thing anyone has after close, personal contact with death.

Perspective.

It doesn't bloody help much in the grand scheme of things, but it stops you sweating the small stuff. Personally I take an interest in history, and every time a spot of ridiculous over-wrought crap takes over the headlines and people's sanity I remind myself that our forebears fought and died for the opportunity for us to waste our lives of (comparative) luxury on soap operas and wobbly bits. I imagine they'd be sorely disappointed with what we've done with the freedom from disease and starvation they've provided, but they wouldn't take it back.

[vetran]

There but for the grace of god.

WHS - those who don't know history, one of the few things that keeps me sane.Thin line between genius and the other side. I keep trying to get to genius.

IMHO there are people who have a chemical imbalance, just like those born full of Oestrogen (who change their names from Dave to Davina) there are people who find it too much sometimes. In more primitive cultures they become cannon fodder, heroes or star crossed lovers, in our enlightened society they have "mental health issues". (most of the greats would be sectioned now.)

Imagine someone saying I'll invade a country with a few elephants, I will conquer the world (but not syphillis) with a few bows & arrows or I'm bored of my wives I'll shorten them by a foot or disown the church so I can get a bit of the other. They'd be headed for the rubber room nowadays. Makes the crud at work seem minor doesn't it?

[NotAllThere]

... I would imagine that there are very few cases of breakdowns or mental illness in parts of the world where people are just simply doing what they can to stay alive.

There's a massive amount of mental illness in areas of poverty. They just don't get any treatment, and so they die/get put away/chained to a stake in the ground or, in certain cultures, are considered holy.

[grey_lady]

"Personally I think that recovering from my breakdown made me a stronger and more stable person, better in touch with what I want out of life, and better able to help others achieve what they want. In that sense, a breakdown might actually afford some kind of immunity to mental or psychological illness just as childhood measles gives you immunity. Perhaps I sometimes appear harsh and unsympathetic, but actually it’s just hard experience. Anyone recognize this?"

Im guessing not all breakdowns are the same and different people would be affected very differently. Personally i've worked closely with two people who have had breakdowns, both involving hospitalisation for a period of time.

Neither really recovered in the sense that (thinks for the right words) their personality was totally changed afterwards, before both had been friendly, smart, hardworking nice people. After it was like a light had gone out? (guessing that could be the anti-depressents) hiding away, not talking to anyone.

In fact neither seemed to go back to their fomer personality, it was almost like they'd been replaced with different characters - one had to give up his job altogether in the end and eventually moved into a different field.

That was my perception as a colleague, incredibly serious stuff isnt it.

[ASB]

As I thought. This worldis full of nutters. Now where is my valium?

[TimberWolf]

Milder burnout symptoms are probably far more common than a mental breakdown?

[KentPhilip]

"Personally I think that recovering from my breakdown made me a stronger and more stable person, better in touch with what I want out of life, and better able to help others achieve what they want. In that sense, a breakdown might actually afford some kind of immunity to mental or psychological illness just as childhood measles gives you immunity. Perhaps I sometimes appear harsh and unsympathetic, but actually it’s just hard experience. Anyone recognize this?"

Im guessing not all breakdowns are the same and different people would be affected very differently. Personally i've worked closely with two people who have had breakdowns, both involving hospitalisation for a period of time.

Neither really recovered in the sense that (thinks for the right words) their personality was totally changed afterwards, before both had been friendly, smart, hardworking nice people. After it was like a light had gone out? (guessing that could be the anti-depressents) hiding away, not talking to anyone.

In fact neither seemed to go back to their fomer personality, it was almost like they'd been replaced with different characters - one had to give up his job altogether in the end and eventually moved into a different field.

That was my perception as a colleague, incredibly serious stuff isnt it.

That's not my experience.
Starting with myself, I became much more outgoing and enthusiastic as a result of taking antidepressants. They work.

[EternalOptimist]

Unlike most of the posters here, I do come from the third world. The poverty, violence, poor education and housing are horrific. But I can assure you that Liverpool does have more than it's fair share of nutters