I agree Maven. I was on Social Assistance for a few years while I was sick. I had no other options. I was very embarrassed about it -- even though I shouldn't have been. I didn't CHOOSE to get too sick to work and have to live on $560/month from the government. Who would choose that?

Government support programs are in place to help people when they really need it, but there's such a stigma attached. A big part of it is because the system is abused by some people and that gives it a bad name for everyone. I just wish that people would remember that many people are receiving government assistance because they NEED it -- and that's what the support system is for -- to help those in need. Anyway, accepting help was hard on my pride but I am SO thankful that the help was there when I needed it.

Someone like Judge Joe Brown who is so publicly visible and well-educated, should know better. He shouldn't perpetrate ignorant stereotypes about government assistance and mental illness.