Competing for Pain: Dealing with Family Members Who Share Your Condition

I have a close friend. Since she finally was able to get into therapy and get her diagnoses she's stated about how "hey at least you're better than me right" or "i hate to break it to you but your mental health is slightly better than mine." And she's right. She does have it worse off and I wish she didn't have to deal with that mess and... maybe I shouldn't complain then? But it still stings to have my feelings invalidated like that. Just because we don't have it "as bad" doesn't mean we aren't still experiencing some form of suffering. If what you're feeling isn't valid because what she feels is worse... then hers probably isn't valid either because someone out there probably has it worse than she does. And, imagine someone who probably has it better than you do. Do you think of their challenges invalid because of this? Probably not. So try not to apply her thoughts to you. Illnesses are battles from within, not a competition between others. She should be sympathizing with you, not bringing you down. You are 100% valid.