[bluemountains]

As many are aware, the right to bare arms is a big deal here in the US. Personally, I have no desire to have a gun or shoot a gun, but I don't mind those who enjoy guns. Now I am wondering, though, if legislation that is being considered might force those of us who choose to remain private with out diagnoses to expose this information if any of us want to buy a gun.

I heard a commercial about guns and how measures should be taken to make sure those who are mentally ill are not allowed to own one. Wow, this could open up a can of worms! Are we going to have to get a card stating our degree of sanity? Will psychological testing be required before a purchase? I find rhetoric like this so comical!

I don't know the answers, but don't step on my right to privacy just to sell guns!

Bluemountains

[Victoria'smom]

I think it'll be like the drivers license where you have to state whether you have any disabilities that could impair your driving then get a letter from GP that it's okay to drive. Now I bow out.

[BipolaRNurse]

They will get my snub-nosed .38 when they pry it from my cold, dead fingers......bipolar or no.

[bluemountains]

Two of our presidents displayed signs of having bipolar, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. Also, if my memory serves me correctly, Winston Churchill either had depression or bipolar, I can't remember which. Even great leaders have their own difficulties to deal with.

My imagination runs wild with this kind of information. I just imagine this large database that collects information every time you have a prescription filled, like what they do now with the cold medicines. Of course, it's the people who don't get the prescriptions filled that need to be screened.

[comicgeek007]

I would not put myself in danger by owning a gun before I find some stability. However, I do not appreciate the government getting to look through my history and say, "whoop! you've been hospitalized for the big S, no way we can let YOU have a weapon, crazy b****!"

You're pretty much damned if you do, damned if you don't with these laws. Someone's bound to get hurt either way.

Right now T's and pdocs are afraid to report patients to the police when they're in danger of hurting others because of fear of getting sued. We already have procedures in place for these things, but it's up to the people whose JOB it is to actually do their damn jobs!

We need people who are brave and selfless doling out the meds. Not some slimy little coward whose too afraid of losing their job (which they wouldn't) to save someone's life!

[manicdepressive07]

I don't understand how they can UPHOLD this law, that those who are diagnosed with a mental illness can't own a gun? I was thinking about this the other day... because of HIPPA and all the laws regarding medical privacy, how would anyone KNOW you had a mental illness? And what about people that are medicated and stable... are they still considered "mentally ill" Idk just some thoughts I had on the issue...

[Anneinside]

I think the only way they can track "mentally ill" and too dangerous to own a gun would be if they had ever been legally committed to psych services. This, of course, is useless as those who are mentally ill and have gone on sprees never had histories of commitment. To get a permit for a gun in MN, you have to mark "No" to have you ever been legally committed for mental illness.

[BlueInanna]

How are they going to test people for evil, greed, jealousy, stressfulo job that could cause them to snap, if there is no "mental illness" to find...?

[comicgeek007]

Originally Posted by BlueInanna

How are they going to test people for evil, greed, jealousy, stressfulo job that could cause them to snap, if there is no "mental illness" to find...?

Like I said, damned if you do, damned if you don't. No matter how you write these laws, SOMEONE is gonna get hurt. And the mentally ill will always be blamed because who but an insane person could kill someone else?

I almost wish it weren't called "mental illness". I don't want to be discriminated against. I'm not evil, I don't wish to harm other people, I deserve to live life without prejudice just as much as the guy who DOESN'T have a handful of dx labels put on him.

And I deserve to be able to protect myself, my home, and my family - with a firearm if need be! I know how to shoot, and I'm actually a pretty dang good markswoman, but I don't personally own any. I personally think a nice loaded compound bow is much more intimidating, though, and there isn't yet a movement against us crazy people owning a freaking compound bow.

[~Christina]

I will keep each and every gun I have. Making some national list of people with mental illness is ridiculous and could never be compiled .. I mean hell ... Some one that take anti depressants for a depression is still considered to having a Mental Illness ..

The media is reporting such ridiculous statements ! ( as always )

I could rant on for a long time , but I will shut up as I know this is such touchy topic.

[Nessa213]

I think that outright prohibiting "mentally ill" people from owning firearms prevents some people from GETTING the help they need in the first place.

I own a gun. Several. But I've also been suicidal in my lifetime. Quite a few times. And for years I didn't want to get the help I knew I needed because I was terrified they'd force me to hand over my guns. (I realize now this was an irrational fear. Moving on.) Still, if my pdoc ever asks me if I own any guns I will most certainly lie. Call me paranoid.

But some people might know very well they need help and they may choose to go without because the fear of big brother is greater than the fear of an unchecked mental illness. At least that was my personal experience.