Wow, again your posts are insightful, easy to follow and helpful;
If you're not a journalist/writer by profession, you should be...

STIGMA- That's what I was trying to say.

I think, based on my life experiences both as a human being (now middle-aged), and as a RN,
mental illness has more stigma (false assumptions) than any other illness.

It's almost like people are either afraid or annoyed or suspicious or very critical about how you feel, think or behave.

I guess it all falls under the category of --
--Life is not fair, people can be so mean & selfish, and you need to always protect yourself since others' may not be looking out for what's in YOUR best interests.--

Laws, including FMLA, HIPAA and confidentiality, like all government laws,
are only useful for those willing and able (time, money and perseverance) to defend/reclaim their rights. (Most post serious mental illness, would not have those resources).

The fact that employment applications can ask,
have you have ever been treated for psychiatric/mental illness,
pretty much explains why the stigma still exists.
(Assumption is that if you check yes, it could disqualify you for employment).

btw, I condensed my long post (went off on tangents)...
I'm not having a good day/night,
but thanks for giving me the opportunity to think about something, other than my own despair,
and overwhelming desire to "disappear".

--Also, just wanted to mention, it seemed (I started counting) that those who were disappointed or angry to still be alive, post suicide attempt, outnumbered those who felt happy (later on) to have failed.
I guess counting is meaningless, unless we had the input from those who succeeded (who are now dead). IDK. But wish I did know.

Again, I must end this post with saying that I really admire those who have had the strength to keep living (whether they wanted or didn't want to);

It's exhausting and frustrating, being stuck in this world, when things feel so unpleasant (sad) and sometimes horrific...

Kinda like, the times when you ask yourself,
could anything be worse than how I feel right now (about life)?...
-And the answer too often is, probably not.

Had a really bad day (life situations/events) which has pretty much become a norm (every) day in my life.
And as if I didn't already know it, my brother had to remind me that he doesn't know anybody who has worse luck (in life) than me...

Sorry that my usual self-brainwashing to be positive,
is not working at the moment...
Hopefully tomorrow I'll be a bit more logical/reasonable.
Take care. Good night.