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backscatter712

(26,355 posts)
79. Look at the history of how the mentally ill have been treated in this country.
Fri Jan 18, 2013, 01:52 PM
Jan 2013

Their fears are very real, and well-justified.

For years, it was "hospitals" with all the comforts and kindness of Gitmo. Rubber rooms, electroshock, icepick lobotomies.

Then Reagan closed most of the hospitals, promising "community treatment" that never materialized. Result is that the seriously mentally ill ended up on the street.

How do most people regard those with a mental illness? Inferior. Contemptible. Subhuman. And every time there's a moral panic, they're the ones that get targeted and subjected to injustice.

Those of you who think the OP is being hyperbolic can kiss my ass.

Could you explain precisely what ruined you? LittleBlue Jan 2013 #1
Ruined by having a scarlet letter for having a mental illness? xoom Jan 2013 #28
if the scarlet letter hfojvt Jan 2013 #95
destructive dogs? darkangel218 Jan 2013 #103
Let me count the ways. Denninmi Jan 2013 #118
Tell me more. tblue Jan 2013 #2
Stigma, fear of, yes. Guns? Denninmi Jan 2013 #119
As a family member of someone who suffered from bipolar disorder most of her life Pretzel_Warrior Jan 2013 #3
you can't extrapolate about bi-polar from your sister cali Jan 2013 #18
I'm well aware there are varying degrees Pretzel_Warrior Jan 2013 #107
This is true. DeschutesRiver Jan 2013 #109
How many people do you know personally who have been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder? Sekhmets Daughter Jan 2013 #152
The truth is most psychiatrists are terrible BainsBane Jan 2013 #4
I tend to agree..... physioex Jan 2013 #8
They prescribe drugs BainsBane Jan 2013 #17
I agree.. sendero Jan 2013 #125
I went to see a psychiatrist years ago. I got arm chair counseling and worked through RKP5637 Jan 2013 #77
Yes Awknid Jan 2013 #176
I must have one of the few good ones. Odin2005 Jan 2013 #91
I really like my new one, too. She's Russian/Jewish. Denninmi Jan 2013 #120
Mine is an absolute gem TorchTheWitch Jan 2013 #174
I don't think most are horrible, either. Just a few bad actors, as in any profession. Denninmi Jan 2013 #175
I am glad you sought treatment.... physioex Jan 2013 #5
exactly ellennelle Jan 2013 #22
Mental health is very subjective - deciding what constitutes a threat is not simple hack89 Jan 2013 #34
As a trial lawyer this creates a nice opportunity AngryAmish Jan 2013 #49
That's exactly what I think is going to happen. Denninmi Jan 2013 #121
There might be a "CYA" factor. rrneck Jan 2013 #67
Sometimes, you gotta outlive and outsmart the fools. JohnnyLib2 Jan 2013 #6
Denninmi BainsBane Jan 2013 #7
Some have already been quite helpful Pretzel_Warrior Jan 2013 #9
Yes it is obamanut2012 Jan 2013 #31
Why are you arguing this? You just admitted Pretzel_Warrior Jan 2013 #108
Ah, it's ok. I'm a big boy, I can take the worst of it. And I appreciate the people who "get it". Denninmi Jan 2013 #123
Yes, I agree. pennylane100 Nov 2020 #177
I am so sorry. I wish there were support and not just labels for you and people in your situation renate Jan 2013 #10
I am sorry you feel this way. retrogal Jan 2013 #11
We need to worry about... retrogal Jan 2013 #12
I think so, too. Denninmi Jan 2013 #127
I am so so sorry that you are living through this... Luminous Animal Jan 2013 #13
Thanks for the perspective. ZombieHorde Jan 2013 #14
you may not wish to hear this hopemountain Jan 2013 #15
agreed on the 2nd opinion ellennelle Jan 2013 #21
Do you actually know anything about Dr. Amen and the clinics? siligut Jan 2013 #37
pardon me? hopemountain Jan 2013 #100
You're not alone, Denninmi. In_The_Wind Jan 2013 #16
I don't think it actually does, though. Quantess Jan 2013 #61
Let's hope it stays that way. In_The_Wind Jan 2013 #66
Psychiatric treatment depends on trust and candor. rrneck Jan 2013 #69
Yes, at this point. Denninmi Jan 2013 #122
Hang in there. This too shall pass. Scuba Jan 2013 #19
take a breath ellennelle Jan 2013 #20
Second this answer Sienna86 Jan 2013 #25
Agreed. Hope the OP will take this advice. politicaljunkie41910 Jan 2013 #57
Like I said below, the therapist's couch should have the sanctity of confession. backscatter712 Jan 2013 #75
Thanks, I am always particularly interested in the opinions of people in the profession. Denninmi Jan 2013 #126
This. ^^^ easttexaslefty Jan 2013 #165
As one who hoped that these tragedies would make people realize that Live and Learn Jan 2013 #23
We have no idea pecwae Jan 2013 #26
Treatment costs money. backscatter712 Jan 2013 #81
I had a bad experience myself at a psychotherapist. ejpoeta Jan 2013 #24
I had a similar bad experience. In my case I have a disease that causes chronic pain LiberalLoner Jan 2013 #33
You are growing tama Jan 2013 #27
What's my heart's desire. Denninmi Jan 2013 #124
Those tama Jan 2013 #131
Sorry, that sounds stressful. Quantess Jan 2013 #29
I suspect many people don't go because of a "scarlet letter" obamanut2012 Jan 2013 #30
I have read that... Quantess Jan 2013 #73
Most psychopaths who get therapy actually get worse. backscatter712 Jan 2013 #82
Yes, true of sociopaths as they learn to "mirror" empathy if given therapy anneboleyn Jan 2013 #112
what a mess. sorry you're going through all this bigtree Jan 2013 #32
It's best for me not to obsess on what will happen get the red out Jan 2013 #35
I think you're being a little overdramatic, don't you think? If you sought treatment for a "real" politicaljunkie41910 Jan 2013 #36
^this^ ceile Jan 2013 #44
If you think there is not a stigma laundry_queen Jan 2013 #93
Really? Link: Fire Walk With Me Jan 2013 #102
I don't think it's unreasonable to worry about the hypothetical when it becomes the possible. Denninmi Jan 2013 #129
Post removed Post removed Jan 2013 #38
Seriously? MindPilot Jan 2013 #42
An "absolute nightmare" of a story... with not one follow-up. stlsaxman Jan 2013 #39
Sorry, I had to let this sink in a while. Denninmi Jan 2013 #130
please accept my apologies, Denninmi... stlsaxman Jan 2013 #134
You don't need to apologize. Didn't say anything wrong. Denninmi Jan 2013 #141
Mental health in the US is starting to feel like Soviet Psychiatry siligut Jan 2013 #40
Best response yet...(nt) CanSocDem Jan 2013 #56
Um, I don't drink. Or take drugs of any kind. Never have. Denninmi Jan 2013 #139
Yes, typical bipolar behavior abuses substances. siligut Jan 2013 #143
I agree and feel the same way. MindPilot Jan 2013 #41
"mental health status" - credit score loyalsister Jan 2013 #43
I feel like I helped create the path for this anxiety and facilitated the search HereSince1628 Jan 2013 #46
Take a vacation already Coyotl Jan 2013 #45
i see the scarlet letter fear is real dembotoz Jan 2013 #47
Look at the history of how the mentally ill have been treated in this country. backscatter712 Jan 2013 #79
+1 tallahasseedem Jan 2013 #97
Thank you Cetacea Jan 2013 #168
If I could attempt to parse what you're saying... truth2power Jan 2013 #48
First, I want to say how much thucythucy Jan 2013 #50
Post removed Post removed Jan 2013 #51
"catastrophizing" datasuspect Jan 2013 #52
Thanks for the diagnosis, Dr. Zoeisright. KamaAina Jan 2013 #68
Post removed Post removed Jan 2013 #80
You're ruined because you can't buy a gun in NY? Sorry but maybe they did you a favor. No one Pisces Jan 2013 #53
Post removed Post removed Jan 2013 #76
+1 L0oniX Jan 2013 #85
... L0oniX Jan 2013 #83
Well, OK then. Denninmi Jan 2013 #128
Your post demonstrates that you really do need that treatment jeff47 Jan 2013 #54
The OP is a good writer, well organized thoughts, complete sentences, good spelling, paragraphs even Fumesucker Jan 2013 #55
Depends on how much of their illness is paranoia. (nt) jeff47 Jan 2013 #59
"No one could have predicted" is a popular saying on DU for a reason Fumesucker Jan 2013 #63
And your qualifications are...? (facepalm) Fire Walk With Me Jan 2013 #71
Because no matter what is being said on TV jeff47 Jan 2013 #149
Thank you, Dr. Frist! n/t backscatter712 Jan 2013 #84
Your post demonstrates that you don't really know anything about me. Denninmi Jan 2013 #132
Just like registration is gonna lead to gun seizures? jeff47 Jan 2013 #150
Wrong you are. madfloridian Jan 2013 #161
If you aren't planning to get a gun, you probably have nothing to fear if this is reported by your JDPriestly Jan 2013 #58
"a class that includes felons, rapists, pedophiles." bananas Jan 2013 #60
Are you still in treatment? Marrah_G Jan 2013 #62
There are a LOT of people who have been diagnosed/treated for stuff like BP/PTSD. Warren DeMontague Jan 2013 #64
K&R flamingdem Jan 2013 #65
I take antidepressants and would gladly wear a shirt telling people so... Comrade_McKenzie Jan 2013 #70
K&R! A therapist's couch should be regarded with the sanctity of the confessional booth. backscatter712 Jan 2013 #72
So tell me, would we expect a cancer patient arthritisR_US Jan 2013 #74
That's why you always go to a Psychologist or Counselor first! TheBlackAdder Jan 2013 #78
the treatment is working, but you're suspending it because you "might" want to buy a gun and you bettyellen Jan 2013 #86
I never said I was "suspending it" Denninmi Jan 2013 #133
so, the OP was pretty misleading, you have treatment you are happy with now. good. bettyellen Jan 2013 #144
So, what's so misleading about it. Denninmi Jan 2013 #145
Ok, so you do value unlimited gun rights over your health and happiness bettyellen Jan 2013 #155
You're right about one thing, guns were not on my radar screen on December 13th. Denninmi Jan 2013 #159
New Yorkers overwhelmingly support what you'd call 'radical" gun laws, and each day more and more bettyellen Jan 2013 #160
Well, I do take it as a personal slight, and I do feel it diminishes my humanity. Denninmi Jan 2013 #162
so people who want stricter gun control (the majority of DU and Dems) are like Nazis? bettyellen Jan 2013 #163
Have proof of it, then do an alert, take it to Meta, or to the Admins. Denninmi Jan 2013 #170
Oh please, claiming someone wants to lock you up now? LOL bettyellen Jan 2013 #171
And yet you keep coming back. Denninmi Jan 2013 #172
Because your posts likening us at DU as Nazis who want to lock you up are too fucking hilarious. bettyellen Jan 2013 #173
IMHO Sylvarose Jan 2013 #87
I am so sick of the fact that our fellow citizens with mental illness corneliamcgillicutty Jan 2013 #88
Maybe someone with a history of extreme anxiety, panic attacks, and depression shouldn't have a gun michigandem58 Jan 2013 #89
When the rumors about Lanza habing Asperger's starting appearing... Odin2005 Jan 2013 #90
As the mother of an aspie liberalhistorian Jan 2013 #147
Are you talking about Mrs. Thoughts-Cause-Illness? Odin2005 Jan 2013 #148
If legislators use current events to improve funding for mental illness, it's a good thing. lumberjack_jeff Jan 2013 #92
140 deaths from mass shooting draw more 10 magnitudes more outrage than 17000 gun suicides. HereSince1628 Jan 2013 #94
Motives are less meaningful than results. lumberjack_jeff Jan 2013 #99
If it happens I expect it to be a shifting among rather than additions to medicaid funding. HereSince1628 Jan 2013 #104
Terrible regjoe Jan 2013 #96
Not really... Jeff In Milwaukee Jan 2013 #98
My daughter is blind, should she be able to buy a gun? jberryhill Jan 2013 #101
Short people will be judged as single cases based on individual characteristics determined HereSince1628 Jan 2013 #111
If she wants to, yes. Denninmi Jan 2013 #135
Advocate with me for the three group model: napoleon_in_rags Jan 2013 #105
The issues are due process and equal protection, not guns, and this just shits on that HereSince1628 Jan 2013 #110
Oh, I knew when I proposed FUNDING SUPPORTS for mentally ill somebody would be up in arms. napoleon_in_rags Jan 2013 #113
why should people have to give up their rights to get help? If the problem is alcoholism, & HiPointDem Jan 2013 #117
If you're seeking help for suicidal depression, yes you should give up your guns for awhile. napoleon_in_rags Jan 2013 #138
having mental problems isn't a crime. there's no justification for taking away people's rights. HiPointDem Jan 2013 #146
My approach doesn't take away rights. The list approach does. napoleon_in_rags Jan 2013 #153
your approach = giving up rights to get treatment. that is a very pernicious use of state power. HiPointDem Jan 2013 #156
So you think you can walk into a mental hospital with an assault rifle strapped on your back? napoleon_in_rags Jan 2013 #164
shifting the terms, i see. HiPointDem Jan 2013 #166
Man, the curse of Babel is active tonight. napoleon_in_rags Jan 2013 #169
You have brought this up before in response to some of my posts. Denninmi Jan 2013 #137
Here's the bad direction: Mentally ill, in a database. With rights removed. napoleon_in_rags Jan 2013 #140
I'm sorry that this has been painful for you, but FWIW your posts (and others like them) petronius Jan 2013 #106
uuuhhh, yeah..... take a deep breath..... alittlelark Jan 2013 #114
Fearful Paranoid Tripe? Denninmi Jan 2013 #136
This society is sick - dysfunctional upi402 Jan 2013 #115
It's not your fault MrScorpio Jan 2013 #116
Thanks, Mr. S. Denninmi Jan 2013 #142
It is the NRA and their ilk pushing the agenda. And Cuomo bought it hook line and sinker. geckosfeet Jan 2013 #151
There is a reason it is called "quakery". Dawson Leery Jan 2013 #154
I am sorry you are going through this. But it's not always that way. Many psychiatrists help. nolabear Jan 2013 #157
I'm not sure the whole thing can't be handled better, less stigmatizing. One way to do that would patrice Jan 2013 #158
I have lived my entire life without a gun quaker bill Jan 2013 #167
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