When The Person Struggling with Mental Health Gets Tired of Being Misunderstood by Loved Ones

There comes a moment- after the explaining, the trying, the crying, the silence, and the stigma-when the person struggling with mental health simply........gets tired.

Tired of being misunderstood.

Tired of being labeled "too sensitive", "lazy", "dramatic" or "crazy".

Tired of having to translate their pain into terms that make others feel comfortable.

They get tired of defending what they feel in a world-and sometimes in a family-that seems to be more interested in fixing them instead of hearing them. The result? Withdrawal. Detachment. Silence. And sometimes, distance.

What That Moment Looks Like

This is the part no one talk about:

• The phone rings, and they don't answer.

• The family group chat goes silent on their end.

• They stop sharing updates.

• They cancel plans without explanation.

• They smile less and observe much more.

• They start protecting their peace like their life depends on it-because it does.

This isn't about bitterness or being "cold". It's self-preservation. It's what happens when someone realizes that not everyone who loves them knows how to love them through mental illness. That realization hurts-deeply.

What They Wish You Knew

People living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, or any other mental health condition aren't choosing to feel this way. They're not being difficult for fun. They're not isolating because they don't care-they're doing it because they're exhausted from caring too much and still being misunderstood.

For me, I wanted to be seen beyond the symptoms of manic or the opposite, the depressive side, yay! I wanted help, to be supported-not studied like a project. I wanted to feel safe in my relationships with my family, friends and even my children-not suspicion. I needed someone to be patient and compassionate with me and help me learn and get through my struggles, instead I was faced with pressure constantly from every angle from each person.

What Begins to Happen Next (If Nothing Changes)

If the misunderstanding continues, the person may:

• Cut off contact to protect their energy.

• Seek support outside the family (friends, chosen family, support groups).

• Stop sharing their struggles entirely.

• Begin to internalize shame or guilt for simply needing help.

But here's the truth: healing is still possible. Relationships can be rebuilt-but it takes effort, education, and empathy from both sides.

How Families Can Begin to Do Better

1. Listen without judgment. Don't rush to solve. Just listen. That alone can be life-changing.

2. Stop minimizing. Statements like "just pray about it", "others have it worse", or "snap out of it" are NOT helpful-they're harmful.

3. Educate yourself. Take the time to understand what your loved one is going through. Ask questions if they're open to it.

4. Apologize if needed. A sincere apology can soften years of silent pain.

5. Be consistent. Show up even when they push away-with love, not pressure.

Final Thoughts

When the person struggling with their mental health gets tired of being misunderstood, it's not a phase-it's a warning sign.

It's a sign that the burden they carry has become too heavy NOT because of their illness alone, but because the way people respond to it.

And that's something we can all change.

If you're the one feeling misunderstood-you are not alone. Your voice matters. Your feelings are valid. And you do deserve to be loved, not just when you're easy to be around, but especially when you're not.

If you're the family member-it's not too late. Start by believing them. The rest can grow from there.

I firmly believe in everything I have said. It would be truly amazing if this stand, we take to advocate for ourselves or others, will bring more families back together versus more and more families distancing themselves from others in the family. I wish I could let my family close to me, and I try yet I've also paid serious consequences of wanting my family who have made it very clear that they don't want anything to do with me and the sad part, they haven't known me for years. They know of who I used to be, and I highly suggest you read the next blogs that are upcoming. I will get a little more personal and my struggles with my family and my silent fights I've had to fight. Along with the problems that were brought into my life causing further trauma not just to me but to my 4 year old son as well. We hope to read some of your comments. I'm open for suggestions, anything my readers want me to talk about in groups or in chat please let me know. I Thank You for your Support!

JPoston