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Stop Using Mental Illnesses As An Excuse

Stop Using Mental Illnesses As An Excuse!

Stop Using Mental Illnesses As An Excuse!

So the other day I heard some girls in my seminar talking. One was complaining about how she never comes to lecture because she’s too lazy to. And how she wants the notes though. And she was trying to figure out how to get them because our professor doesn’t upload them. They went through multiple ways to get them when one suggested you can just say you have anxiety. Then the school will get you notes from another student in the class. The other one enthusiastically agreed that faking anxiety was the best way to get away with stuff.

Here’s the problem I have with this apart from the obvious ethical ones. As someone who actually does suffer from anxiety I hear negative comments about it all the time- about how it’s not real, we’re just faking it to get out of doing stuff, we’re just lazy. And I along with a huge number of people who suffer from mental health problems go out of our way to break this stigma and then people like this come along and just reinforce the stereotype that we’re just lazy and trying to get out of doing stuff.

I always go for that class even when it takes actual energy to even get out of bed. I always hand in my assignments on time. Even though it’s like getting kicked in the stomach for my mental health. And I always go out of my way to try to be as “normal” as possible without letting my mental health problems get in the way of my education.

It just seriously pissed me off to see these girls treating mental health problems like this because it’s people like this who are ruining it for people who actually do have mental health problems and who actually do need extra assistance.

If you’re reading this and are thinking of using mental health problems as an excuse I’m asking you to please rethink it. It’s not just an easy way out- your actions are effecting millions of people who are suffering and trying so hard to break free from stereotypes about mental health. Please, stop using mental illness as an excuse to be lazy.

Sorry for the rant but this incident just really pissed me off and I needed to share it with someone.

For more posts on mental health click here.

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Pooja G

101 responses to “Stop Using Mental Illnesses As An Excuse”

  1. Stardreamer Avatar
    Stardreamer

    I was just denied disability, cause I can think for myself, even tho I have anxiety for 40 years, arthritis, and c
    COPD. People like those girls are making it even harder for us…thank you for helping us fight the good fight. And merry holidays!💖

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      I’m so sorry you were denied disability. It’s ridiculous that they don’t treat mental health the same way they would a physical illness- just because you can’t always see the symptoms physically doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
      Thanks for stopping by and happy holidays to you too!

      Reply
  2. Meepingblog Avatar
    Meepingblog

    What a disgusting behavior :/ and yet things such as these seem to happen more and more.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      It is and it’s horrible that it’s so common.

      Reply
  3. foxesandpoems Avatar
    foxesandpoems

    Thank you for saying this.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Thanks I felt that I needed to let it out.

      Reply
  4. MissJune68 Avatar
    MissJune68

    You have every right to be completely pissed off. You are 100 percent correct. I feel the same way when people claim rape, illness, abuse or any other legitimate issue if they’re only making it up as an excuse or for attention. It makes it difficult for people who are legitimately struggling. It makes real things less. It takes away from people who don’t deserve to have anything more taken from them. All any of us can do is our best. It’s enough.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Yeah exactly it takes away from people who are actually suffering. Yes we all do our best and need to continue to do so for things to change.

      Reply
  5. Hilary Tan Avatar
    Hilary Tan

    That’s definitely sheer laziness. There’s days I don’t want to get out of bed either so that’s a pretty lame reason for wanting to get out of class. If she knows the prof doesn’t upload notes, then she shouldn’t have signed up for that class in the first place (unless it’s a requirement). And if she doesn’t even want to be there, why is she even bothering with school? It’s called adult responsibilities.

    As for disabilities, I feel like everyone these days uses the disability card for some reason or another. I know people with major disabilities and what would definitely qualify as a major disability anyways, and yet there’s so many able-people who abuse this. Ugh. It pisses me off.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Yes exactly why not just take a course that’s better suited for you. The professor told us on the first day of class that he doesn’t upload the notes or send them to anyone no matter what. It is not a required class she could have just dropped it and picked something else. It’s a very frustrating situation.

      Reply
  6. jesusluvsall Avatar
    jesusluvsall

    I agree with you my friend. People faking things like anxiety can make it more difficult for the people who truly do have anxiety problems to be believed. For me it is also kind of mocking people who really do have anxiety. As an educator, I am proud of students who truly do struggle and overcome to finish assignments etc.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Yeah it is definitely mocking people with actual anxiety problems because it’s like telling them they’re lazy and their problems aren’t real. I hope people understand over time that mental health is a real problem that a lot of people suffer from.

      Reply
  7. Richard Le Sueur Avatar
    Richard Le Sueur

    Your rant is on point and I can totally not only emphasize with it, but identify with it as well. Lack of ability may be a reason for some things, however it should not be used as an excuse. Even worse is when it is used falsely, that is beyond lazy.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Thanks I’m glad you understand where I’m coming from. It’s very frustrating when people use it as an excuse when there are people who do actually suffer from these problems and do actually need extra assistance.

      Reply
  8. Sharon Avatar
    Sharon

    I share your anger on this point as someone who has suffered form mental illness all my life I have struggled on, never letting anyone know the truth, largely because of the stigma and because I felt I had to, it has only been in the last 12 months that I have been willing to publicly admit to this issue, normally I would just use up my holiday leave or my sick leave without letting anyone know the real reason. Like you I went through uni making sure I meet deadlines and never made excuses if something was late so people who do this also piss me off and it is not uncommon these days but boy it is infuriating.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Thanks you for your comment and yes that’s exactly what I’m talking about- people with actual mental illness are forced to suffer and live with this stigma while trying to live a “normal” life while people like this just take advantage of things.

      Reply
  9. Mystery guy Avatar
    Mystery guy

    This is how I feel and felt wherever people would say they are “bipolar” just as an excuse to act and be an asshole

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Unfortunately that happens so much and it is absolutely very frustrating.

      Reply
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  11. Betul Erbasi Avatar
    Betul Erbasi

    It is sad that people are using mental health as an excuse. It may work for them, but they need to think about what kind of impact their behavior can have on other people suffering from them. It is responsibility.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Yeah they definitely should think about the damage their actions will cause to people actually suffering from mental illness.

      Reply
  12. RAK Avatar
    RAK

    I mean I totally agree with you! Being a person going through anxiety, it honestly feels bad when people uses mental illness as an excuse!

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Yeah exactly it hurts the people who actually have mental health problems.

      Reply
  13. V Avatar
    V

    Wow, that’s a new kind of “low” if you ask me.

    :\

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Agreed it’s a pathetic thing to do.

      Reply
  14. Opher Avatar
    Opher

    I agree with you Pooj – it’s like faking with a wheelchair to get a front seat.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Yes exactly!

      Reply
  15. Njoki W Avatar
    Njoki W

    I agree with this 💯

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Glad to hear that.

      Reply
  16. Amanda Cade Avatar
    Amanda Cade

    That’s horrible. I hope your school requires documented proof of a diagnosis before making accommodations, so people like that girl can’t just pretend to have a legitimate issue.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      I hope so too because it is not okay for people like this to be using mental health as an excuse.

      Reply
  17. Rachel Ellynn M. Avatar
    Rachel Ellynn M.

    So very important.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Thank you.

      Reply
  18. limitlessmare Avatar
    limitlessmare

    It is frustrating when people ruin it for the rest of us who are truly struggling. I’m weary of the “use and abuse” that happens in the world in so many arenas. There are countless examples in the mental health world and that is infuriating. Great post, this is important stuff

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Thank you and I agree it’s very frustrating especially for people who have legitimate mental health problems.

      Reply
  19. tianiangelahibbert Avatar
    tianiangelahibbert

    This is so annoying! This is why ignorant people view mental health the way that they do. I also suffer from mental illness and no matter what I made it a priority to put school first.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Yes exactly this just makes the stereotypes seem real even though people like us who are genuinely suffering try so hard to do out best.

      Reply
  20. JK Avatar
    JK

    You’re so freaking amazing thank you so much for sharing this with us (me) as I can COMPLETELY RELATE TO YOU and I am really grateful to have you put into words how I feel and knowing that I am not alone in this journey. Love ❤️

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Thank you I felt that I needed to share this and I’m very glad to have your support.

      Reply
  21. The Newbury Girl Avatar
    The Newbury Girl

    Omg reading this made me so furious. In my school you had to “prove it” in that you needed medical documentation for any sort of disability accommodation.

    So hopefully that girl won’t get away with faking it. Really does those who are actually in need a disservice bc it just adds to the negative stigma.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      We have that too but I’ve noticed my school is quite lenient and you don’t need much proof. I really hope they didn’t get away with it though.

      Reply
  22. mentalhealthfromtheotherside.wordpress.com Avatar
    mentalhealthfromtheotherside.wordpress.com

    It’s awful to hear about someone faking mental illness (I’ve known some people also) as – and as an excuse to get out of attending class – it makes it more difficult for those of who do actually experience mental illness. I think I might have said something to them, explain what anxiety feels like and see if they still want to use it as an excuse!

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Yeah it’s awful that someone would be so lazy and would stoop to such a low just to get notes.

      Reply
  23. Judy Kim Avatar
    Judy Kim

    Wow I’ve never heard of being able to receive class notes because of anxiety. I’ve experienced anxiety and depression all of my life and I just coped and did my best. I went to college decades ago but we weren’t given any special treatment. I now work as a scheduler, when staff call in sick I try to find replacements for them. There’s one young woman who calls in sick for almost every shift and her excuse is anxiety. She receives accrued sick pay and she won’t be fired but it’s a very unfair situation for her coworkers. I don’t know what the fair solution is. Some people take advantage, while others cope and manage to succeed despite their illness.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Yeah it’s very difficult to find a middle ground because there are always people trying to take advantage of the benefits they receive which makes it harder for people who actually need them. I hope we can find a solution over time.

      Reply
      1. Judy Kim Avatar
        Judy Kim

        I think anxiety and depression are real and support would be great for those that really have the condition.

        Reply
        1. PoojaG Avatar
          PoojaG

          I definitely agree I just wish they had a better system so people couldn’t take advantage of it and people who actually need help receive it.

          Reply
  24. Jim Borden Avatar
    Jim Borden

    you should be ticked off; those other students need lessons in ethics and empathy

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Agreed they really need to do some self reflecting if they can even think of stooping to such lengths.

      Reply
  25. A. Shepherdson Avatar
    A. Shepherdson

    Fabulous post PoojaG

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Thank you!

      Reply
  26. Antonella Barberini Avatar
    Antonella Barberini

    Well, yes this describes perfectly how hard it was for me to gain trust when I went through my PTSD after attacks in Paris, and I lived a fake alert ( your brain doesn’t do any difference if fake or true in the momentum ); I fought for my self; I reached for help and found happily the best doctors and counsellors who supported me and guided me. I am very grateful today. They are still in my life; I regained my long term contract after 3 years. And many pressures. I wasn’t expecting anymore and almost returned to Italy, chez Maman. I like your writing and topics. Keep it up and Merry Holidays dear xx Antonella

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Thank you and I’m sorry you went through that but glad you could make it through the experience. Happy holidays!

      Reply
      1. Antonella Barberini Avatar
        Antonella Barberini

        You are kind, we get what we need to grow up 🙂 oh, well… had my dose !!! happy holidays to you too !

        Reply
  27. ceponatia Avatar
    ceponatia

    Similarly people who say “ugh I’m so BIPOLAR” to describe the fact that they can’t decide between a Big Mac or a Quarter Pounder drive me up the wall.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Urghh yes people say I’m bipolar all the time when they’re really mean indecisive or emotional. And people who say they have OCD when in reality they don’t are also very frustrating.

      Reply
  28. Alejandro Marrero Avatar
    Alejandro Marrero

    This is well written and understood. Firstly I appreciate the valor and honor and good ethics you have despite the challenges life experiences has given many of us. Keep that integrity. As far as those who seek to pretend or feign suffering as an excuse to be lazy at the expense of others whom are truly in need it’s beyond morally wrong. They should be reported because that kind of behavior is not just wrong it’s evil. I dislike when people who are malevolent do terrible crimes with guns and the first thing that is said is that they had mental health issues. I feel this is too often a disservice and insult to those that have mental health challenges. Sometimes people are just bad apples. Don’t group them with anyone else to achieve an agenda. If these people understood 1% of how crippling and impairing PTSD, Panic Attacks, Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Insomnia and all the other things that some us face they’d know those words were inappropriate. The fact you’re able to continue pushing forward and working on yourself through your moments and challenges shows courage and hope. I’ve read a couple of responses here to your post and they’re too numerous to respond to individually with the empathy, kindness and compassion merited by all of us in this thread without triggering myself. However understand I admire all of you for being candles of light chasing away the dark. Together we can light up the world with kindness and open honest dialogue. I appreciate your post and everyone who replied in good faith.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Thank you so much for your comment and I agree with you fully. Grouping everyone with mental illness with certain people who commit crimes not only further stereotypes mental health but it leads to people using it as an excuse to behave badly. I really hope someday we can find a way to end the stigma around mental health and to stop using it as an excuse for people’s horrible behaviour.

      Reply
  29. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    This does take away what anxiety really is and hurts how schools see it. Hopefully the school has something in place to tell if she is lying or not. I have anxiety and depression. It makes many things difficult for me. I can try to be normal and fail many times. I have had severe anxiety attacks at work before but went about the rest of my work day like it never happened even though it affected me on the inside.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Yeah only people who have mental health can fully grasp how crippling it can be and how we are forced to act “normal” even when we don’t feel that way. I hope our school finds a way to stop her and anyone else attempting to use mental health as an excuse in this way.

      Reply
  30. Stop Using Mental Illnesses As An Excuse To Be Lazy — lifesfinewhine | Ups and Downs of Family History V2.0

    […] via Stop Using Mental Illnesses As An Excuse To Be Lazy — lifesfinewhine […]

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  31. Tangie T. Woods Avatar
    Tangie T. Woods

    I understand your rant. Shame on those who think true sufferers conditions are something to joke about and falsely use because of their laziness. We reap what we sow and it will not be a laughing matter for them then…

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Exactly everyone reaps what they sow and their behaviour will not go unnoticed.

      Reply
  32. Editor Avatar
    Editor

    Interesting 🌷

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Thanks.

      Reply
  33. Antidote Avatar
    Antidote

    This was not a rant. You could’ve written more about this subject!
    1. I applaud you for making it to class. Having something to do is one way of coping, healing and way of actually getting better. Denying going to class will only make things work, not to mention that you will beat yourself up later for not going (I mean, why adding to the pile of things for overthinking when you can actually do the opposite).
    2. It is really nice of you for taking the stand. When the system is abused, the people who really need help wont get it because someone decided to be lazy today. It is NOT ok. Later, when these people go to work, they will try to get out of their working responsibilities and their assignments will go to people that already do their jobs perfectly.
    So when you think about it, everything is one big chain.
    Next time, don’t be afraid to even talk with them and tell them the unpopular opinion (that you will be hated for later, but you’ll know you did the right thing).

    Have a nice one!
    Antidote 😉

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Thank you and thanks for your support I appreciate it and I’m glad other people understand where I’m coming from. You’re right I hope if this ever happens again I can talk to them and maybe help them understand what having mental health problems is really like and why they shouldn’t act like this.

      Reply
  34. tryitwithmandy Avatar
    tryitwithmandy

    Amazing article! I really enjoyed reading it. And I have to agree with you as well. It frustrates me to no end when I see this happen! Thank you for writing this article!!

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Thanks I’m glad you understand where I’m coming from.

      Reply
  35. Rebekka inia Avatar
    Rebekka inia

    shocking that some just fake it and use it as an excuse!

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      It’s absolutely horrible!

      Reply
  36. amymayj Avatar
    amymayj

    What absolutely vile behaviour! It’s girls like that who are the reason why people still don’t take mental illness seriously! Totally get where you’re coming from, that would have severely pissed me off too, I’m sure many others will agree with you as well! xx

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Thanks and yes it’s super frustrating for people who actually genuinely suffer from mental health problems.

      Reply
  37. M. R. Avatar
    M. R.

    👏👏👏

    Reply
  38. Tajaé Avatar
    Tajaé

    The nerve ! I’had anxiety my entire fsemester of nursing school and still dragged my ass to class every single day

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      I know it’s crazy how lazy some people can be!

      Reply
  39. A.Amin Avatar
    A.Amin

    Using mental illness as an excuse to be lazy Maybe the mind is already going crazy. who knows maybe it is an illness from mental laziness.

    Reply
    1. introvertedcreativity27 Avatar
      introvertedcreativity27

      Wow, that kind of behavior is just sickening. I’ve had anxiety for years now, and it’s a very real thing. It impacts my life on a daily basis. So, it’s horrible to know people are faking mental illnesses just to get out of things. But, thank you so much for sharing this story and spreading awareness.

      Reply
      1. PoojaG Avatar
        PoojaG

        It is so frustrating to see people using mental illness like this and I wanted to share the story so people can know better.

        Reply
        1. introvertedcreativity27 Avatar
          introvertedcreativity27

          It really is. But, I’m so glad you shared this. I think it’s something lots of people need to hear. Thanks again for sharing it!

          Reply
    2. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Haha yup they are definitely lazy

      Reply
  40. bosssurvivor Avatar
    bosssurvivor

    I couldn’t agree with you more!! Good job on this article I really appreciate this story being told. Like you said, we actually have these issues and are typically FAR from lazy, and then you get these twits out there using it as an excuse. Keep sharing this girl!!

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Thank you I wanted to share it because this happens a lot and I don’t want people taking advantage of mental health problems.

      Reply
  41. Kelli Haughawout Avatar
    Kelli Haughawout

    I don’t take mental illness lightly and absolutely can’t stand when someone abuses the term or misrepresents people that really do suffer from it

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Yeah it’s very frustrating when people do that especially for people who actually do suffer from mental health problems.

      Reply
  42. aluapgnidliw Avatar
    aluapgnidliw

    I agree with your post about anxiety. When I was first diagnosed over ten years ago there was nothing very helpful available on the internet so thank you for posting. I would like to ask if you said all if this to the people you overheard or just post your thoughts on here. Secondly, don’t your tutors require some medical proof that a person suffers with anxiety?

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      I didn’t say anything to them and I thought the did need proof but apparently all you need is to go see the counselor and say you’re having anxiety.

      Reply
  43. lilyionamackenzie Avatar
    lilyionamackenzie

    Thanks for taking time away from your writing to visit my blog!

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      You’re very welcome and thanks for stopping by as well!

      Reply
  44. randomsahmthoughts Avatar
    randomsahmthoughts

    I must admit, the title of this post made me bristle… I thought it would be a post comprised of an ill-conceived motivational speech for people with mental illness. Before my depression diagnosis, my dad accused me of being lazy. He wasn’t being evil, it was a reflection of the household HE grew up in. And he saw me as an over-achiever in high school, then failing grades and poor attendance in college to him looked lazy when in fact all the changes in my life were overwhelming and I was coming undone, but ashamed to ask for help at first. Mental illness is hard… people that fake it for whatever reason (laziness, attention seeking, to excuse poor behavior) are right there with people that lie about their pet being a service animal and people that illegally park in handicapped spots.

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Yeah a lot of times people who say that it’s just laziness or whatever tend to not come from a bad place but are more of a reflection of where they came from and how they were brought up. People that fake mental illness knowingly are just being evil in my opinion.

      Reply
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  46. brownangel99 Avatar
    brownangel99

    You are right and thank you so much for posting this 🙏

    Reply
    1. PoojaG Avatar
      PoojaG

      Thanks and glad you agree!

      Reply
      1. brownangel99 Avatar
        brownangel99

        You are welcome

        Reply
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