I do not like the term "mentally ill", and do not use it for myself or for others.

For starters, it lumps everyone together, as if we are all the same, which obviously, we are not. Even aside from considering mild from severe, symptoms themselves differ a lot.

This "lumping together" totally supports public ignorance, because it reinforces the illusion of "us" and "them". It pretends there is a line. Show me that line. It doesn't exist. Some delineations that are out there: "those who have sought psychiatric help", "those on psychiatric meds", "anyone who's been hospitalized", etc. Many of the sickest people fit none of these. And generally speaking, those who do fit these "criteria" are the responsible ones, because they do these things(!) *

As a follow up to above, to say that this attitude (us/them) keeps people from getting help is a whopping understatement. So it not only accomplishes nothing helpful, it is actively harmful.

As if that weren't enough, it cannot be denied that the term implies a constant state of being. But this is not true. And if anyone can attest to that, it is people with bipolar!

These things in no way mean I am denial. When I am unwell, I am in a very bad way. That doesn't mean I have to label myself with a stigma-loaded term that is so broad and ill-defined as to be basically useless.

(* Please note that in saying this, I am not saying that only the medicated are responsible. Those who acknowledge and take measures to manage their symptoms can also be considered responsible. In above, I'm merely trying to keep it simple to make the broader point. Also, I do not want the thread to get derailed over it.)