People with conditions that weren't recognised in the past

66Mustang

I was thinking about this today. 

People who probably had a disability or health issue but at the time it wasn't recognised.

One, now passed, relative, was extremely house proud, would go round picking up single crumbs from the ground. Furniture was replaced every couple of years. If we were staying for the night, and someone used the bathroom, they would nip in and clean it before the next person used it. Everything in the house was absolutely spotless and pristine. Today they would be seen as having OCD but then they were just seen as incredibly house proud.

I have other relatives who I think showed signs of autism, anxiety, and PTSD, but then they were just classed as quiet or shy or having a nervous personality.

Have you ever thought this about someone, it could be someone you knew, or someone famous, anyone really.

Sandy_123

Gosh there is loads from the past, a lot of illness and disabilities. Mental health for one, people were just put away. Also if you were born different, like downs syndrome.
The royals put relatives away also if they had problems, like one boy had epilepsy prince John. He was kept away from the  public eye until he died. Also if you had learning difficulties. 
I think back then in the medical field, they didn't have the knowledge they have now, so thankfully things improved and 

OverlyAnxious

I also think about this moving forward...I'm sure there will be more health conditions named in future that people are struggling with right now. 

But I also think naming things isn't always helpful.  Being houseproud and preferring perfection doesn't necessarily mean that person is tortured by OCD thoughts 24/7 to the point that they cannot prevent themself from tidying up. 

Many of my older relatives showed symptoms of various conditions, but I sort of feel like that is 'life'.  Everyone has ups & downs, everyone will experience anxiety & depression at some point.  Looking at my family history, there were some very poor choices taken by people who ultimately couldn't cope with the consequences of their choice...does that make them unwell at the time, or is it just part of life?

Strawberry1

@66Mustang , what you have written is so true . Thinking back I remember seeing such stuff and I also see stuff within myself what no one recognised. 

Hannah_Alumni

I also think there are some illnesses that have always been seen as a medical disability but not a social one.

I have IBD and now a stoma. Trying to tell past employers, the job centre, some friends and family that there was no cure. It wasn't just "mind over matter" and no matter how positive I stayed, it wouldn't make a difference. Now I have a stoma, some act like it's a cure. 

Strawberry1

Bless you @Hannah_Scope . Your a very  strong person . I would look up to you.  Your amazing. 

Hannah_Alumni

Aww @Strawberry1 🥰 That made me burst with a smile. Thank you

It's been so lovely having you back on the community. Always so much positivity and such support shown to community members  

66Mustang

Interesting replies from everyone - thanks.

I think "shellshock" is a famous one, soldiers in World War 1 who today would be diagnosed with acute PTSD were instead executed as cowards.

Jimm_Alumni

My dad had an uncle who had a mental disorder of some kind. They don't know what kind, all they know is "he had demons in him" (literally what my dad was told as a kid) and he was put in an asylum. This was 1950-60s rural Ireland. He died in his early 30s in the asylum, of what nobody knows. I don't think anyone even asked. Today his uncle probably would have lived an actual life, even if he'd needed care.

Jimm_Alumni

I'll also add, there are many people who make big conspiracies about "why are there so many more diagnoses of cancer, or autism or <insert illness that was difficult to diagnose here>" and rarely have the logic to consider that it's because science and medical study has progressed to where we can actually diagnose them better now.

And with cancer it's just that people are living longer too.

Strawberry1

Your welcome @Hannah_Scope . I truly do look up to you though.  

Albus_Scope

Reading though the comments, it's clear I would've been party to several exorcisms, then shot for being a coward.