((ts)) glad u ranted cause you made some valid points about mental illness. i don't think society in general will ever "get it".
i think it's apathy on the part of many people. with a physical illness often times they can see the ravages of the body...with mental illness many times it's not so noticeable or understood about the agony a person endures with MI.
all the reason that we need to set the example and show kindness to a fellow sufferer. when i lived in manhatten i witnessed so many MI people living on the street. one very handsome young man i almost bumped into due to the congestion. it was clear he was mentally ill...i felt so much sadness for him cause i knew he needed help but from where? he was someone's son, brother, etc. i will never forget his face. i wish i could have helped him but knew i was not able to.
so i am glad you brought this topic up. as for trust, it has to be earned. i do not discuss my MI with a lot of people because i know they will immedicately throw up the barriers. i am not ashamed of my MI, mind you, but recognize the terrible reactions from most people who don't understand MI and don't care. i have learned there are people i can trust but many do not deserve my trust. so it's a fine balance.
thank you for trusting us enough to voice your feelings on the misunderstandings of MI.