chocolate_on_toast

I have a lifelong pain disease and i did a similar thing! I used to imagine my pain as a big ball of dough and I'd metaphorically reach out to it, grab it and examine it. Eventually you learn 'yup, that's my pain, it hurts but it won't kill me' and somehow it's not so bad.

I also went through a big mental/emotional thing of changing my expectations. I'll never be pain free. If I keep pining after a pain free life all I'll get is frustrated, angry or depressed, possibly all three. So forget about being pain free and change your whole life script to include and work past the pain. Once you accept it, you can move on and achieve stuff!

What? Where did this come from? What prompted your comments, I can't see anything to suggest that OP treats anyone like shit. Am I missing something?

Ah, I see. I understand your frustration, but in the text-based environment here I'm afraid you've come across as rather aggressive, hence the downvotes.

Perhaps OP had to take a break from responding, or has missed your question for some reason? I'm speculating, but so are you by assuming that your perceived mistreatment is intentional. We shall probably never know, but it's nice to err on the side of positivity!

I agree, and i also agree so strongly with your previous comment about the need for people (everyone!) to feel useful and valid, often by having a job or constructive task of some kind (volunteering, studying, making things, etc.)

I really wish there were more schemes and programs promoting work for people at disadvantages (particularly part-time work and jobshares) so that more people could benefit from the social boost, not just the money.

What one change (however major/minor) would you make to the way people with mental health problems are supported/treated do you think would have the most benefit?