I’ve noticed that people with mental illness see the world from exclusively their own perspective. Not a thought about how their needs, decisions, actions affect others.
Their families have a great burden dealing with the disruption to their lives, and not a shred of thought or glimmer of awareness goes toward this. The spouses must shoulder the burden of trying to provide a stable environment for their families, and the children can be scarred for life by the unstable parent. Even siblings can be traumatized as well as friends and other family, work associates, etc.
The successful adult navigates life by working with people, and crafting a win-win for themselves and others. A good salesman always sells what you want, not what he wants.
Many people fall into the pattern of self-absorption and forget that other people share this earth. When you think of them and look out for others, you become someone who works with people. Maybe we’re not being as extreme in our selfishness as those with mental illness, but we can all improve in this respect.
Those in treatment would do well to focus outside themselves as well. It may be the first step in healing to recognize the world outside and the people in it.
It is not good for man to be alone, not even in his mind.
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