In 1985, a U.S. Navy psychiatrist diagnosed me with schizophrenia. At the time, there was a lot of ignorance regarding schizophrenia. Many people were engaging in stereotypes, innuendos, and lies regarding schizophrenia. I'm not sure if it was my military training or my father's teachings (he was a police officer), but I have always believed in myself. First, I educated myself as to what schizophrenia is. After I did that, I didn't see myself as any different than a person with an under-active thyroid. I really didn't. I joined grass-roots movements advocating for the rights of people with mental illness. Most of the time, I was in a hostile environment. Many times my message was not well-received. But I believed in myself--and my message. I never considered myself to be a candidate for anything. My focus has always been on the movement. That's just the way I'm wired.

I would never "out" somebody. I feel that public advocacy for any issue is a personal choice. If you don't feel comfortable speaking in public regarding your mental health issues, then don't do it. As I said, I believe it's a personal choice.