• Mike D.@lemm.ee
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    6 days ago

    When I was young I recall visiting my aunt in a mental institution many times. I was told she had a nervous breakdown but it wasn’t discussed beyond that.

    When Reagan closed all the mental institutions she bounced around boarding houses. The first ones were terrible. Later ones were much, much better.

    When I was older I found we took the same meds.

    Discussion of mental illness is still avoided in my family.

    • transMexicanCRTcowfart@lemmy.world
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      5 days ago

      This wasn’t my case, my parents were very well adjusted for the most part but it did happen to a former partner. It was usually accompanied by a deep silence and denial. Hope it gradually gets more normalized to at least talk about it; even if therapeutic alternatives may not be available, having support from friends and family is a huge improvement.

      • Mike D.@lemm.ee
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        1 day ago

        My parents are in very old now, no change there. My sister says I can reach out any time but she never responds.

        I have started seeing a therapist which has been helpful in several ways, even if I skipped today’s appt.