Myzen and Sky -- These posts are very interesting.

SKY: I'm familiar with posts that might trigger being pulled. I guess at that point, the member must PM and seek crisis intervention specifically designed for that purpose. I'm sorry that that happened to you, Sky. And I wonder how Taonuviel is doing, as I haven't seen a post from her in a while, and have no reponse to a PM a few days ago.

MYZEN: I like your explanation but it doesn't help me much to deal with the outright cruelty of some stigmatizing behaviors. My mother -- who, I must point out is 80 -- thinks that it's a really Deep Dark Secret.

I also am forbidden to let any relatives know that I am an alcoholic in recovery. I sent myself through outpatient treatment twice, and I've been clean and sober for 15+ years. I think this is a remarkable achievement -- especially since I remained clean and sober through very dark depression -- but I get no credit for this. Instead, the message is to be ashamed, be very very ashamed. Would she rather than I had remained a drunk?

Oh well, as also has been said, we must get support where we can, avoid those who hurt us. Form "families of choice" where those of blood fail us.

I still hark back to my idea that a public information campaign about mental health would be a great public service. I think most of the stigmatizing results from ignorance as much as fear.