No need to fear those with mental illness
Twelve years ago I was diagnosed with depression, eight years ago with manic depression or bi-polar disease. In that time, I've been in a number of relationships, when it came time to reveal our shortfalls, I mention these issues.
After I do, I will have received an e-mail or phone call or no message at all, that the relationships are over. In the most painful of breakups, an engagement was broken off because of misconception, stigma or being uninformed of what these illnesses really are. That's what they are, just illnesses. It is no different from someone who has heart disease, kidney aliments or diabetes.
The public needs to be better informed about mental illnesses. I function on a daily basis and know right from wrong. I am not a threat to anyone. I have been fortunate to have the support of my family, brothers and sisters and most of all my parents.
The story that Burt Constable wrote about in the Daily Herald April 28 sounds like these people don't have the support group that I enjoy. Give these people a chance, they need the support of everyone around them.
I was happy to see this opportunity for people less fortunate than me. These people are not a "ticking time bomb".
Patrick Kilbourne
Arlington Heights