Getting offended or upset doesn't help a lot of things in general society are stigmatized. I have had very little problems when people "find out" any of these stigmatized topic about me, as long as they know me. I think as they "find out" more of their circle has x stigmatized part of their life the more acceptable they become. The other way is to lose a loved one to mental health issues to accept and be sensitive to it.

When I here statements like the gun statement, I have to ask why.This usually leads to an interesting conversation. Most people have not really thought about why they would "give someone a gun".

To things like "well it's not like you are bipolar or schizo like all the other crazy ppl in there", I say "but you'd love me anyways " in a joking tone kind to end that conversation and reassure myself.

Now to my extended family... My father has a particularly hard time acknowledging ANYTHING could possibly be wrong with [COLOR="rgb(139, 0, 0)"]me[/COLOR] and tries to convince me not to take my meds. The same dad urges his other daughter to get back on medication. My mom, and siblings could care less. My grandma just ask if it helps. DH's family agreed with me taking medication and getting help but DH did not need help. It was only when they unexpectedly lost someone close to them, and learned their loved one had mental issues, did they fully embraced the Dx and treatment for their son.