Dear Tony,
I would like to expand on what I wrote on December 4.
Many people with mental illness believe that because they are mentally ill their thoughts and perceptions and feelings are not real. I promise you this is untrue. Think about it: How can any thought or feeling not be real? If you have it in you, it must be real. Not all thoughts are legitimate and appropriate, but all of them are real.
The problem is how your brain organizes these thoughts. Everyone has wild thoughts sometimes, but most people quickly realize those thoughts are wild and are able to dismiss them. Everyone feels threatened at some points, but most people are able to watch closely and find discreet ways to react to it. At least some people with mental illness have difficulty with that type of organization and careful reaction.
Your thoughts and feelings are real. They mean something. Everyone needs to learn to listen to himself or herself and to pay attention to his or her feelings and reactions. No one can do that for you -- they don't live with your brain. But your thoughts and feelings are real, and it is dangerous to ignore what your brain is telling you. You need to learn to listen and respond appropriately to it.
