In the last article about the snare of suffering, I talked about how comparing a personal struggle to another’s can be helpful at times, but more often than not can serve as a way to minimize pain or create judgement. I was intrigued by this blog where other points were brought up about this subject. In the article, people were asked to rank their symptoms of anxiety and depression along with their perceptions of what is normal in the population at large. Based on the outcome of this survey, it suggests that people potentially deny getting support if they believe such action would make them look weak in relation to others. They also become confused about how much suffering has to be endured before it justifies seeking therapeutic help.
http://neuroskeptic.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/more-depressed-than-average.html
Comparing creates boxes we have to try to function within, even if they are not helpful. Life experience, character, modeling, beliefs, support, and stressors will make each situation unique. If we can focus on what makes sense given the circumstances, coupled with a desire to remove hurdles that make life hard, the opinions or life challenges of others are moot points. This is about self-care and the right of each person to decide what is best for him/her.