I want to thank those on this site who are standing up to defend people witn mental illnesses

[Bjorn Against]

As a person who has a brother with schizophrenia I want to thank all the people on this site who have spoken out against those who are scapegoating the mentally ill. People with mental health issues and their families go through enormous challenges and face a great deal of stigma from the public and I know I am not alone when I say that I greatly appreciate those who are willing to stand up for the rights of those who suffer from a mental illness.

Those of you who have seen my other threads know that there are a few people here who have really upset me, I have told those people to fuck off and that is really all I feel I need to say to them. I am sick of debating an issue that I don't think should be up for debate. The vast majority of people with mental illness are not violent, the very suggestion that they should be able to be locked away when they have committed no crime on the basis of their disability is offensive to me and I will not pretend it is an acceptable position in any way.

I am logging off DU now because after seeing so much bigotry against the mentally ill on here tonight I really don't feel welcome here right now. I do recognize that many of you have attempted to stand up for people like my brother however and I wanted to make sure you know that I appreciate your efforts. I will probably be back some day but I need a break from the bigots.

Best wishes to all those who are fighting the good fight.

[Violet_Crumble]

1. I just read one of yr threads...

That really sucks, and I hate the stigma people with mental illnesses have to put up with.

I hope you don't take much of a break, as I think you are very welcome at DU and it's only a very small number of people who hold such a revolting stance on the mentally ill

[Skittles]

2. hey Bjorn, don't even consider leaving for good

get back in here and fight the good fight

[TexasTowelie]

3. Thank you for standing up for those with mental illness and being their advocate.

I'm in the process of filing for SSDI while also still looking for full-time employment. With my physical health deteriorating and a long gap in my employment I doubt that I will ever return back to my previous career. My contribution to society may well turn to being an advocate for social policies and making people laugh on occasion. While I know that it isn't as lucrative as being a data analyst, I still feel that my time is worthwhile in other ways.

I understand if you need to take a break in light of some of the comments. But you need to come back soon.

[Tom Ripley]

4. I am proud to stand with the mental health advocates and the Asperger advocates

I can't believe some of the uninformed speculation flying around.

[cali]

5. I am glad to be able to join you in this fight against stigmatization of folks with MI

But you shouldn't feel unwelcome here. I'm sorry you do.

[NealK]

6. K&R n/t

[davidpdx]

7. I stand up for them because I know what it feels like

There is still a stigma in the US against mental health issues and here in Korea as well. I'd say education and identification are two areas we could work on immediately.

I do worry about those who have much worse problems then I do (mine are fairly mild) and how willing most would be to get help. For some it could be stopping a suicide from occurring. In most cases I worry about what someone will do to themselves. We've had DUers end their life and that is sad.

[DeadLetterOffice]

9. The highest rates of violence

among persons with various DSM mental health diagnoses occurs in those with drug and alcohol use disorders.

You should be MUCH more worried about running into a drunk with a knife/gun -- there's a ton more of them out there.

[jwirr]

12. Define "Them". Last time I looked there is a definition for schizophrenic that covers a wide range

of illnesses. You want them all locked up. That would include my brother who is bi-polar and hates guns and violence with a passion. He has been the victim of haters who are not mentally ill - should they also be locked up and throw away the key?

[aikoaiko]

10. Still theres no need to tell other DU members to fuck off just because

they don't want to see guns in the hands of mentally ill people professionals consider dangerous given proper due process and addressing privacy issues.

[jwirr]

11. If most people bothered to look around they would realize that they have someone in their own

family that fits that description. I have.

[bemildred]

13. Totally. Here is something from a few days back:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/101693844