Taeleen, I agree. It's horrible when people make statements like that. My only rationale is that perhaps it stems from a lack of understanding.

I wish in earnest I could say with a clear mind I've never said anything like that, but I'd be lying. My father and I aren't on the best of terms, and I learned when I was...oh...perhaps 15?...that he'd tried (unsuccessfully) to OD on painkillers during his divorce from my mother when I was a young child. I never said anything TO him, nor would I ever TO anyone in that position, but I do remember my words when I was told. I regret them. It's hard to understand what someone in that position feels when they're in that position. I only truly learned to appreciate it when I was assigned an assistant during my tenure as my JROTC unit's S1 who had bipolar disorder. She taught me a lot.

My point isn't to justify comments like that. There is none. Nor am I trying to defend those who make insensitive comments. My point is they don't get it. Sometimes it takes that little bit of understanding to realize what it means.

As far as making them understand, for me, it took months of talking to this cadet of mine. I noticed she would sporadically get very down, and I'd help her through that as best I could. When she told me she had bipolar disorder, she welcomed questions and answered them as I had them. For me, she was responsible for turning "bipolar disorder" from "just something my dad has" to something real. My father and I still aren't on good terms, but I at least understand that part of him now.

I hope I didn't ramble, and I hope I didn't offend anyone. I simply remember what it was like to be...well, frankly ignorant, and I wanted to offer my insight.

Take care. I hope I was of some help.