I'm tired of being gaslighted due to how my life-long depression and anxiety always made me act. I've worked very hard in therapy over the years, and am much different than who I used to be. I continue to work at it. But I will always be the scapegoat of my family. I see that will never change. I had hopes, though. But they still treat me like they always have, despite the fact I've changed. I think I'm too old to see any change from them at this point. 

I hadn't seen an ex-wife of a family member for many years. She was at a family function recently. Instead of having normal conversation, she actually told an extremely embarrassing story of something I did when I was 1 year old. I had never even heard this story before. She told the story in front of about 10 other family members, who listened intently. By some small miracle, I laughed along, and actually shared another embarrassing story I did when I was little. I shared it in a way not to self-deprecate, but in a subtle way of "F\*ck you, I'll top that." I forget how my therapist explained what I did, but he was very happy that I did it.   


Her telling the story just perpetuated my lifelong feeling of "My family has pegged me as the crazy one, even since I was as young as 1 years old. No matter who I am today, they will never change what they think of me, or what they tell others about what they think of me." It's beyond depressing. I just can't get to the point of "F\*ck them, I don't care what they think" because--well--it's family. The stigma of depression and anxiety run so deep, even in this day and age, where you'd think people would get it by now. 

I'd love it if you could share stories about your supportive family or friends. I can at least soak in some happiness vicariously and be happy for those whose family and friends get it. 

Or, share here how you basically did a "F\*ck what they think and what they say about me, I'm living my life" success stories.