I agree suzy that there is still some stigma attached to having a mental illness but mainly from people who have not known it or been close to anyone suffering from it.NO one can really understand unless they have "been" there.LIke everything in life often we fear what we dont know.

However there has been considerable change in attitude over the last 30 odd years.I think its alot to do with education and learning from those who suffer from the particular affliction.Years ago nobody even talked about mental illness,it seemed too scarey but now that people have been able to be more open about it attitudes have changed for the better,,thank goodness!!!!

I was also sorry to read about your mum.I am a mum in NZ so was poignant to me.

Take care...mandy