This is a subject I have thought about a lot actually. Since my diagnosis I have come to view those with mental illness very differently than before. It is very hard to someone who has not experienced mental illness to understand that the person suffering is not doing it to themselves. They do not choose to be depressed, have bi-polar etc. I know it is hard to believe but things have improved when you think of those people who have the same problems we have were once locked in an institution with the hope we would just go away. No matter what diagnosis they had...but we still have a way to go. Too many mentally ill still end up homeless and uncared for. Their illness ravaging what is left of their self-esteem and overall health. Education is key for sure and maybe folks brave enough to talk to others...