this is just how i see it...the stigma is caused by ignorance or lack thereof of educating oneself about mental illness. it's like they are afraid of catching it if they know too much.
i avoid as much as possible talking about MI with norms. in your case u could have said, hey i'm off the clock, let's talk about something else.
well yes you had good intentions when you attempted to educate those people but unfortunately many ppl have preconceived notions about MI and our educating them won't help to much. the exception perhaps would a one-on-one or in a public forum.
i keep my dx's very close to my chest cause exposing this info to most ppl can cause me great distress seeing the reactions.
my son some years ago would be upset that i was bipolar and i asked him, if i was hooked up to chemo would this bother you as much? his silence made me know i had hit a home run.
hope this helps...