I have lots to say about stigma, but not much time right now, so I'll jump to one of the issues I have with stigma. I am not a violent person, never have been, don't intend to become one. There are laws, and people who would like to make more laws, that say I, as a mentally ill person (by their definition) should not be able to own a gun. It sounds logical in light of history, but it's discrimination against a whole group because of what some members of that group did. Most mentally ill persons are not violent, and in the USA, we are Americans and entitled to American rights and protections. I'm not saying everyone should have a gun or that there shouldn't be laws restricting guns in certain circumstances. I just think that a person, mentally ill or not, should be able to purchase or obtain a gun if they have no history of violence, including real threats, and no major aggression issues. I should have the right to protect myself, and a gun (when you take lessons to use one properly) is one of those ways. I'm a small woman, and I am more vulnerable than many. I don't feel like people are after me or there's danger around every corner, but if I were to live alone, I think I'd feel more comfortable if I had a gun to protect myself. I know many people are against guns altogether, but bad people will always get guns; the good people deserve to have them to fight the bad people.