Frankly I think that’s a cop out; it’s the only solution that they can think of to not agree to gun laws and in doing so…they reflect on a huge part of our population who have issues that can be labeled ‘mental health issues’ that would never in a million years consider harming someone else and certainly not to this magnitude. My experience has been they harm themselves first. I can’t think of ONE gunman who has been involved in a mass slaughter that was getting help so it makes me mad that not only does this label presume everyone with issues is a potential killer but it foolishly thinks they would be seeking treatment.

I’m glad you’ve taken some steps you help you manage; we all have those moments. While I seem to be able to trek through a lot of life’s casualties without seeming to fall into despair, the year of my daughter having cancer left it’s mark on me. Sleepless nights, crying bouts during the day, a sense of having no direction or purpose while her regaining good health was questionable, absolute and total mental and physical exhaustion…all accompanied me every day. That I could manage probably didn’t mean I should have but as the sky opened over her and the clouds seemed to dissipate with a cancer free diagnosis after a year, many of my issues dissipated as well. I sometimes wish I had sought professional help; sleeping alone might have lessened all of the other anxieties.

Many advocates promote that mental health issues are no different than any other health issue but it is THE one people point to after displays of horrific behavior. That is an unfair categorization and certainly a part of the stigma. I’m with you; people need to speak up and seek help and not carry a burden with them as a result. Get well and be happier…that’s quite an incentive!

Thank you for the thoughtful post; it was a good read.