[If we could talk about our mental illness comfortably out in the open, be treated as if it was no big deal, no stigma attached etc... Do you think that would help or hinder you in trying to get better?

. . . It would also get me out more, and I wouldn't isolate as much. I could put more of my energy into getting better. I do notice having to cover up so much about my mental illness is mentally/physically tiring. I wouldn't have to worry about that anymore..

How would it affect you? (better, worse, same)[/quote]

I would love to be able to mention it in the aftermath of a "discussion," when I want to come back and try to mend fences, and I would want to do so because I would want us both to be able to consider whether I was over-reacting, or whether my words and actions were justified. I have trouble sticking to rational facts--or, at least, I have trouble not over-valuing emotional facts, and I need help in discerning the truth. My therapist and I call this trying to hit the bull's eye (truth), rather than the out rings . . . or, uh, the wall . . .

But the truth of it is, in my experience, if the word borderline is mentioned, or even bipolar, then they're off the hook for any responsibility of escalation of emotions in the "discussion," and I am REALLY blamed then. So, isolate and withdraw more? Oh, yeah . . . .

Man, we're tough to brave even trying to talk to people about things that matter to us at all . . . . .