Are people with mental health problems easier to dupe ??
By killmousky
@killmousky (29)
February 21, 2008 10:33am CST
Or am I in a class of my own?? Im in my mid 30's and have suffered depression since I was 18. Over the years I have been beaten by boyfriends, walked all over by friends, treated like dirt and raped.
I moved to a new county 10 years ago hoping to change all that. My new friends treat me with respect and dignity, but my husband (whom I have known since childhood) and all my childhood friends have totally abused my trust. Then when Ive freaked out and gotten aggressive, they have been taken aback by my attitude.
I am currently receiving help at a local mental health hospital to help me reduce my aggression and stress levels.
I seperated from my husband in June 07 because I couldnt cope with his demanding nature, but this year I had some trouble and he ran to help. Thinking he had changed I thought about giving us another go. For 6 weeks we lived apart and he was a true gentleman. Then I asked him to come home. Within 2 weeks he was once again demanding of my time, throwing tantrums if I mentioned going out to see friends without him (my friends never liked him!!). He felt that we had to do everything together and couldnt understand why I was getting frustrated.
Am I wrong to want 'time-out' with friends or is he right to be so demanding?? This is really worrying cos he physically assaulted me recently & I called the police to have him removed from my home. He is now telling me that because I am a 'nutter' its all in my head and I'm wrong to have had him booted out!! Is this true or am I within my rights to want freedom??
I never assaulted my husband, although I have been verbally abusive when pushed to my limits. Views appreciated!!
6 people like this
8 responses
@wrongway (277)
• United States
22 Feb 08
No, there are many reasons people can be duped so much but I dont think mental health problems should be considered one of them directly. My partner and I have adopted 2 special needs children (both in teens) and here is what I have found. They are more honest and sincere than most people, and really are trusting of people. They believe in the goodness of other people to the point where they will believe almost anything they are told, not because they have a mental health issue but because they are so trusting, thus being mistreated, lied to and yes, sometimes abused. One of the biggest reasons is that people who know they have a mental health issue tend to not have a lot of self-esteem or confidence in themselves and are "flattered" (for lack of a better term) when someone shows interest or treats them special. Once things change for the worse they tend to blame themselves as if it is their fault due to their health problem which causes lower self-esteem and self confidence. It is a vicious circle.
No one deserves to be treated as you have, and yes, everyone needs time for themselves. Time to grow, learn, and even do things they enjoy that their partner may not enjoy doing. Apparently you really care for him as you were willing to give him another chance. Stand your ground, be strong and know that you deserve to be treated better than that. I wish I could say that time will heal all wounds but it doesn't. Believe in yourself and demand the respect that you deserve to be treated with, mental health problems or not, you are human, you feelings, and you are no different than anyone else. My prayers and best wishes are sent your way in hopes that things will work out good for you and that you someday get the respect and love you deserve.
1 person likes this
@wrongway (277)
• United States
23 Feb 08
Not a problem. I guess we sometimes use the term special needs to cover a lot of issues that we really shouldn't, and sometimes it is just plain hard to remember what is considered "politically correct". I should have known better than to use that term anyway as when I hear that term myself I usually think of children that have problems. Sorry to have confused you.
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
21 Feb 08
I suffer from depression and I think some people take advantage of that. When some people see any kind of weakness they move in for the kill. They think they can treat you anyway and will get away with it cause you have a mental illness and no one will believe you. You have every right to have time out with your friends. Sounds like you have good friends now so it will do you good to spend time with them.
1 person likes this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
21 Feb 08
I'm also a part of the mental health community and am bi-polar. Before I started on meds I was very aggressive but never stuck up for myself. My aggression always came out at the wrong times. I've had my share of being abused by guys and even family members who psychologically abused me. But no more!! You are well within your right to want freedom and I think anyone would get at least verbally abusive when pushed to their limits. It's better than being physically abusive isn't it?
1 person likes this
@cindrel_27 (89)
•
21 Feb 08
Hi i am sorry if any of my points would hurt you,
i really feel sorry for your situation, but would like to say you few things,
you see girl you need freedom but it must be healthy, once you are married you are not two body & two soul but you & your hubby become one body & one soul, you both have to give up things that both feel is hurting your feelings,
yes every one needs freedom but you must also see to the likes & dislikes of your partner,
i agree with you that you are being depressed from long back, but everything is in our hands,
always remember only when you expect lots of things from the others you will always be disappointed, & this inturn will lead into depression,
You must Give up in order to Go up, i hope you know what i mean,
see i love my hubby, & there are things i like & thingsa i dont like, i always see to his likes, coz i dont lose anything when i give up few things for the one i love, infact he will know me one day & will surely give up his likes for me, so that we have a ha;ppy family
What you do unto others is what we get, just try out this, once you show kindness , love, & concern to any one, you will find the same fromthe people whom you face everyday,
when you always see the things that are not liked by you , you will always end up with arguements & this inturn will shrink the relationship,
if you have read the bible just read the philipians, & 1 corinthians-13:,you will know what true love is,
love is kind, love is patience,it does not envy,love is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong, love always protects, always keeps nop record of the wrong,always trusts, and protects,
so when you love every one, & your hubby just try this out, & you will see the difference,
You see we all live a short life, & in that small life why all this things which are not of any use to us, & which does not keep us happy,
be happy & make others happy, so that we have a meaning of why we live in this earth,
Be blessed
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
21 Feb 08
Poor you. Husbands are supposed to be supportive, and although things can get trying at times, if you truly love your partner then you will be there for them and not abuse them physically or mentally. If your relationship has broken down then you both need to go your separate ways. But before doing that, it may be worth trying Relate (marriage Guidance) if you feel that you would like to at least discuss your individual issues. Most importantly though, you must feel safe and secure. To that extent either you or your husband need to be somewhere other than the marital home again. Perhaps you should see your Dr again. Whatever, take great care and don't let yourself be bullied.
1 person likes this
@miller1978 (1101)
• United States
21 Feb 08
I to have suffered from depression for years. Although I just recently started facing the facts of it. I have to say I don't believe you were in the wrong for having him removed because no one deserves to be verbally or physically attacked. Just because you are "nutter" doesn't mean you don't have rights.
I have been on both sides of the fence for those. I have an ex husband who used to verbally abuse me, then it escalated to physical, then he was threatening to start abusing my oldest child and THAT is when I drew the line. I threw him out. The next ex wasn't better. He was actually worse but I didn't see it until it was to late. After many years of being beaten, both verbally and physically, it has taken a toll on my life and my thought processes.
1 person likes this
@RobinJ (2501)
• Canada
23 Feb 08
I do not believe that people with mental health problems can be duped But I do believe that any one with a low self esteem sure can, I say this from experience, I grew up never feeling worthy of any affection or love. So when some one said they loved me, or wanted to be my friend I was taken in completely because all I ever wanted was some one to love me, In other words I was looking for some one to rescue me.
It took me a long long time to figure out the only person who could rescue me was in FACT me.
One I was able to grasp that fact i was able to look at all the people that abused me and think I do not want or NEED them, I can do much better on my own because they never never had my best interest at heart, something I always did, and they knew it and took advantage of.
Excellent discussion/
@Foxfire1875 (2010)
•
21 Feb 08
I don't think they're easier to dupe but depression never comes on its own, it brings low self esteem for one. You are totally right to boot him out, don't let him intimidate you because of your illness and you aren't wrong to want time out.
He seems to have some problems himself and should seek help before you decide to continue your relationship.