Mostly fear and ignorance. The fear comes from an ancient assumption that mental illnesses were given to people by the gods, typically because they'd done something bad. Many early European and Middle Eastern cultures believed this and the plays of e.g. Sophocles and Homer fuelled the urban myths that many continue to perpetuate today. Despite some religious texts saying something like judgement is God's prerogative, even religious people can seem to think it's ok to do the judging on His behalf. Humans like to judge others - it makes them feel better about themselves, superior; and you can't get better than making out that you're ok but that other person is bad because some god has inflicted a punishment on them - social dominance is a big thing for apes! Things are improving, but this one will take a while because people have no real education in mental illness. Many mental illnesses are diagnosed on the basis of a specific batch of symptoms. However, a remarkable number of 'normal' people display 1-2 symptoms rather than a full syndrome - so mental conditions are much more common than you think. To be honest, I'd say that it is often the judger who has the bigger problem. Judging others is a smokescreen to direct attention away from their own inadequacies. If anyone appears to judge you about OCD or indeed anything at all, ask yourself 'what's this guy got that he's trying to cover up so badly?' I live with and care for a mentally ill guy (with borderline) - it's taught me a lot about the human condition. Believe in yourself, be strong and positive in all you do.
Hmm, well I have a minor case of OCD, I wouldnt exactly blame people for finding it funny, sometimes I tend to spiral to the ridiculous, after all, OCD isnt logical. But you're right, people tend not to understand how tough it is. And that's simply because they have a hard time putting themselves in someone else's shoes. As far as they're concerned, you could just stop. I wouldnt worry about it... People are uncomfortable with the unknown.
Ignorance. I guess we can't really blame other people for their lack of education. TV and media these days have put a sheet over anybody with any type of mental illness or disability with shows like Family Guy and The Simpsons making fun of them. Nobody knows what it's like to live with something like OCD so we just try to forget about it and make it into a joke. I think schools actually need more mental health and disability education.
I have it really bad.. people tend to get a kick out of it... sometimes annoyed though because certain rituals require assistance lol. I really wish I didn't have it, but I deal with it and I don't care what people say about it.. they can call me weird or whatever, fine by me :D
I'm Just Wondering Because I Happen To Have OCD, And It Just Is Annoying To Me, Because People Judge Based On How A Person Is, Not Who A Person Is.
I've never heard of someone being judged for that. My boyfriend has it, it doesn't bother me at all. People are just idiotic.
Because they either don't know much about it (and, therefore, don't understand), or because they're jerks.
what do you mean? the people with ocd judging or the other way around? im confused :S
Yeah, I Just Don't Think Many People Realize How Hard It Is, Even With A Mild Case.
That's What I Think, But I Honestly Don't Think It's Funny.
I have mild OCD. It annoys me too.
The Other Way Around.
bc they are dumb