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White House Floats Gun Control Proposals

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darthstar1/07/2013 7:47:28 am PST

re: #416 Dark_Falcon

No, I’m not trying to imply that. What I am saying is that seeking help for mental distress can impact how one is perceived by others, and that change in perception can have negative consequences.

An example: Instead of the managers saying “It’s good that Jerry went to get help for PTSD. Being on active duty in Iraq was very hard on him and it’ll help his performance to have gotten treatment.”, they’d more likely be saying: “We need to see if we can get Jerry out of here. If he’s got PTSD he could be a time bomb for all we know. It’s the people with mental issues who shoot up offices.”

This country is far more advanced in understanding people’s need for mental health services than you think. The America you describe is stuck in the 1950s. “Don’t take Johnny to a psychiatrist…the neighbors will talk!” It’s bullshit and your repeating that fear of stigma is only promoting that fear of stigma.

The way you help people who need to seek help is by not judging them, or telling them that others will judge them. You accept them, encourage them, and support them. Period. Fuck those assholes who might have irrational fears of people with PTSD. They’re part of the problem, not part of the solution.

Don’t be part of the problem.