Mental health stigma worse than prison

Vibrating obsidian brought up a marvellous point that I used to say so much that I now take for granted. That mental illness is often a chemical imbalance in the brain and can be treated with medication therefore it's as much a physical ailment as well as a mental one. I have bi-polar with schizophrenic symptoms too so Bi-polar type one.
I need medication. I learnt the hard way but I won't get self indulgent. I'd say I have a tough life without my affliction adding to the mix.
But to get the medication right a person has to know what is happening in their mind. I have had to explain how my moods and thoughts operate in day to day situations so my doctor can adjust my medication. My doctor is very good as they want me to get by with the least amount of medication as possible.
I find talking to people who have been through what I have has been the best therapy. We have all experienced people turning their backs on us and the loneliness mental health stigma brings. I hate admitting I have been a victim of human cruelty and ignorance. It kills me. Some people admire you for getting back on the horse after a fall. Others are not so kind. Advice for me has come from places I haven't always expected.

Ask yourself - why wouldn't a chemical imbalance be caused by other people?
Like when a person (let's call him person I) stabs person II, it would be wrong to say the wound is because of person II - it's because of person I!!
Same with mental health, as much as it seems people are unable to grasp that idea, that mental health can be badly affected by people, either like a plague or like an abuse
It will happen - people will realize that there are criminals who harm mental health for their own gain
It will take some thoughts, and some time, but one day people will come to this realization

I don't think it will be in my lifetime; mental illness is not a widely understood or sympathized with situation. It is STILL stereotyped and made to be really frightening to the mainstream. It isn't sexy. Media is generally not interested unless the story exploits the mentally ill... At least that's what I think.

So well put..."it isn't sexy". Hollywood has failed those who are the average, boring, day-to-day person with mental illness by not making it "sexy". Unless the star of the movie is a violent or self-destructive person with mental illness, s/he is just a creep. And who wants a creep for a friend? Who wants a creep for a family member? No one.

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I totally agree about the starting a fresh scenario. If I met someone and I had to move away I wouldn't have much holding me back. I have made amends with my family. But it's been a long road.
But moving away to start anew is not as easy as it sounds. I am not qualified as anything. It's impossible to save a deposit to rent a flat or apartment. I live alone so I have to cover the bills on my own. I trust the doctors that I see for managing my condition. Making new friends is no easy feat. considering people my age are settling down.

In the U.S. a felony stays with you your entire life. With HIPAA laws we are supposed to privacy in health matters. It is not legal to ask about your mental health status or any other health issues in the workplace.

As far as gun ownership and concealed carry licenses it varies from state to state. In the state I live in I can not have a concealed carry license because I am bipolar. What pisses me off is that on the application form it specifically states biplolar and lists no other form of mental illness.

I’ve never tried to get a gun. However when I last went to get my Tennessee drivers license on the application it ask if you have a mental illness. I lied and put no.