The perfect bad ending to the perfect bad day.

[Tobin S.]

8. Take it easy, man.

Getting into shape is not a symptom of a mental illness. Whoever told you that was either off their game or a complete moron. That's the way I'd take it. It was insensitive as well. People who don't really understand mental illnesses working in a mental health field are a big problem for mental health patients. That's why there's a group like NAMI, and probably a few others, who advocate for mentally ill patients.

One thing that used to infuriate me, and it sounds like it has had that effect on you, is people who assumed that I was stupid or weak when they found out that I had a mental illness. It really tweaked me when I was clearly smarter than the person who was doing that to me. The best way to combat that is to do something smart, and I know you've got some intelligence about you. You are also new to dealing with mental health professionals. Do not be afraid to challenge them when you feel like it's needed. Make them earn their money. They are the professionals, but they can screw up to. And I see you've already had a taste of that. You did exactly the right thing regarding your former psychiatrist.

Here's what to look for when dealing with mental health professionals: Do they respect you? Do they respect your intelligence? Do they respect your feelings? Are they compassionate? Do they respond with different treatment when something isn't working? They are working for you and they have your mind in their hands. They are there to make you feel better and to make you healthier. If they aren't doing those things, or in the process of doing them, then they aren't doing their jobs and you should respond accordingly.