> IMO the broader issue is the stigma against mental illness
Yeah yeah that rubbish again. I have mental illness (see my posts for boring details) and I've always been open about it, except when it's so obvious that people pick up on it without my assistance.
I've never had a problem. Stop saying there is a stigma. Any stigma may be down much more to the individual's anticipation of stigma which might cause them to not admit stuff, but my experience is society (UK anyway) is very tolerant of it. You're really not helping.
There's no frigging stigma for mental illness alone. If it causes someone to reek or act unpredictably there might be, but it's a reaction to the sad manifestations, not the illness per se.
NB. I contacted a company I'd previously contracted for, explained the situation, met some of the guys, became evidently stressed in front of them (people + noise get overwhelming quickly), and now I'm working for them. It gives me summat to do and to get used to social situations again, and they get a DB guy. Win/win! No drama.
So I repeat, STOP claiming this crap. You're making it harder for people who have to deal with it.
> In my judgment, the 2017 regulations [...] were blatantly discriminatory against those with mental health impairments and which cannot be objectively justified. The wish to save nearly £1 billion a year at the expense of those with mental health impairments is not a reasonable foundation for passing this measure.
Regarding your link, I don't have time to read it (did skim it) but I'm talking about personal levels of discrimination, not governmental. If you want to talk about institutional discrimination, some may have it worse, I know a trans girl whose operation is being repeatedly pushed back. I can see why, given the strictures on NHS funding, but it really has made things miserable for her.
Your sister may have just had a shitty employer. Someone I knew told me of finding someone literally crying in pain due to RSI, and the employer's response was telling them to take painkillers. There are bad employers, for sure. Mine aren't.
Does your sister's experience invalidate mine? No. Does mine invalidate hers? No. We are stuck, perhaps on terminology of what discrimination is, or perhaps I've been very lucky. People have been extremely decent to me, that's all I can say.
My fear is that by talking up the alleged stigma, we're reinforcing or even creating it. I hope that makes sense.
I have bipolar disorder. When I was depressed at uni and didn't sit my exams, my mum said "oh, so you couldn't be bothered then?" That's stigma against mental illness.
When my doctor signed me off for 28 days off work and my boss said, "how about taking it day by day? Wouldn't it be better for you to have something to do?" That's stigma against mental illness.
When I have to wait two months to see a consultant psychiatrist, that's stigma against mental illness. I wouldn't have to wait so long to see an oncologist, despite bipolar disorder having a higher chance of killing me quicker than some cancers.
Surely the 'sad manifestations' are the whole point. If you have never been unable to work because of mental illness, or if you have been signed off but otherwise fairly treated by your employer, then I think you have dodged a bullet that many others haven't.
Studies: now that's a commendable rebuttal. I like that.
OK, I've skimmed these, let's take some quotes.
"People with lived experience of a mental illness commonly report feeling devalued, dismissed, and dehumanized by many of the health professionals with whom they come into contact"
People who have such problems too easily perceive slights that may not be there. I know this, I have to compensate for it. It's too easy to get hurt.
"On the other, they [people with serious mental illness] are challenged by the stereotypes and prejudice that result from misconceptions about mental illness"
And I just don't find this. Bar a few idiots, never have. I find people kind and considerate.
"As a result of both, people with mental illness are robbed of the opportunities that define a quality life: good jobs, safe housing, satisfactory health care, and affiliation with a diverse group of people"
Quite, but that loss in my case is not down to stigma or discrimination by others but my own shortcomings caused by the problems:
I don't have a good job, I haven't been able to work for months. That's not discrimination, that's because I'm unwell and just couldn't.
A while back I got so far behind with the rent (because I couldn't work) the landlord had every right to throw me out. That he didn't only reflected on his decency and trust in me, but for that I'd quite likely be on the streets.
This "affiliation with a diverse group of people" - I don't have that because, fuck, guess why? And loneliness is a terrible thing. I've had few partners in my life, guess again why? It's not because they discriminated against me, it's because I'm not 'normal' to be around (though getting better, thanks for asking). It's not discrimination, it's them picking the more suitable partner. And I just can't blame them!
Does that make sense?
Anyway, since I've read yours, please read mine. You sound like you do actual research, but unfortunately this nastiness is my life.
Yeah yeah that rubbish again. I have mental illness (see my posts for boring details) and I've always been open about it, except when it's so obvious that people pick up on it without my assistance.
I've never had a problem. Stop saying there is a stigma. Any stigma may be down much more to the individual's anticipation of stigma which might cause them to not admit stuff, but my experience is society (UK anyway) is very tolerant of it. You're really not helping.
There's no frigging stigma for mental illness alone. If it causes someone to reek or act unpredictably there might be, but it's a reaction to the sad manifestations, not the illness per se.
NB. I contacted a company I'd previously contracted for, explained the situation, met some of the guys, became evidently stressed in front of them (people + noise get overwhelming quickly), and now I'm working for them. It gives me summat to do and to get used to social situations again, and they get a DB guy. Win/win! No drama.
So I repeat, STOP claiming this crap. You're making it harder for people who have to deal with it.
(Edit: no argument with the rest of your post)