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Spin off from the thread "Can a person be mentally ill and not know it"
Mental illness runs on both sides of my family. I seem to have escaped unscathed, but I'm the first to admit I'm a seriously weird individual.
I have no concept of fashion (dressing in plaids, dots, and stripes- all at the same time). I'm almost purely logic driven, though I can understand and manipulate emotions in others. I'm asexual and agendered. Basically, I'm one of those people who is always a little 'off' in social situations.
I'm also self confident, creative, and efficient. I hold down a job, take care of an ill parent, and manage a workforce. Like everyone I have struggles, but I don't fit the profile for depression or any other anxiety disorder.
I'm sure I probably fit at least a few of the check lists for various disorders - almost certainly asperger's. But I don't feel ill, and I LIKE the way I think and act. It's everyone who seems to be crazy.
So are all 'odd' individuals mentally ill? Or are we only ill if the way we act interferes with our ability to function in society, even if we 'fit' into a diagnosis?
I guess I would have to ask if it matters whether you're mentally ill? I doubt anyone else spends any time wondering that about you--perhaps eccentric would be a good word and one that has positive connotations for me.
In my book, if you're well adjusted, then you're sane. You're also sane if: you don't hurt anyone, you don't sponge off anyone, and you're content. The rest is just a matter of taste. Honestly you sound saner than 98% of the rest of us, including me.
However. . . Krishnamurti said that it's not a sign of good health to be well-adjusted to a sick society. Hmmm.
I guess I would have to ask if it matters whether you're mentally ill? I doubt anyone else spends any time wondering that about you--perhaps eccentric would be a good word and one that has positive connotations for me.
In my book, if you're well adjusted, then you're sane. You're also sane if: you don't hurt anyone, you don't sponge off anyone, and you're content. The rest is just a matter of taste. Honestly you sound saner than 98% of the rest of us, including me.
However. . . Krishnamurti said that it's not a sign of good health to be well-adjusted to a sick society. Hmmm.
Oh, I don't think it matters, in that I'm not worried about what anyone else may or may not be thinking. The other post just sparked mild curiosity...it seems like any person who is 'different' anymore is looked upon as ill in some fashion.
Oh, I don't think it matters, in that I'm not worried about what anyone else may or may not be thinking. The other post just sparked mild curiosity...it seems like any person who is 'different' anymore is looked upon as ill in some fashion.
Yeah well, just remember that the rest of us are crazy. I personally appreciate differences--too much same-same these days. They all listen to the same music, drink the same beverages, and wear the same clothes. What's the fun in that? I do things differently too and like it. However, I do get my plaids matched.
Never compare yourself to others. They're more screwed up than you think!
Yeah, I'm "a bit off" too. But I do have depression. At any rate, I also appreciate differences, and most of my friends aren't the same as everyone else either. I guess we'd be considered eccentric as well.
Being eccentric is not an illness.....meeting someone who doesn't always "conform" to societys "norm" is very refreshing....Enjoy being you!!!....If you look to label yourself, you'll for sure find one.
I also think you're just fine. Like stepka said, you are well adjusted and content, that's more then many people I know.
Do not ask doctors for opinions, you will get a diagnosis
do you have a mental abnormalitly...mabe, mabe not...
fashionsense sexual preference ect isnt much to go on...
being in this day and age anyone slightly "weird" or has a different veiw is diagnosed with something i wouldnt worry about it too much
are you mentally "ill" absolutly not, you are functional you are comfortable in yourself...your quirks dont seem to effect your life in a negative manner...
and i think to me thats the key...
it sounds to me like your just different...and different doesnt mean ill...
If you have a mental disorder you have to fit the symptoms AND it has to cause severe impairment to a part of your life (work, school, family, etc). If a person is happy and functional then they aren't ill.
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The other post just sparked mild curiosity...it seems like any person who is 'different' anymore is looked upon as ill in some fashion.
I personally appreciate differences--too much same-same these days. They all listen to the same music, drink the same beverages, and wear the same clothes. What's the fun in that? I do things differently too and like it. However, I do get my plaids matched. 
