Why are people so hateful to the mentally ill?

There is still an amazing amount of stigma associated with mental illness. Part of it is that people don't understand the illnesses and that they are all treatable. It wasn't too long ago that people with mental illnesses were imprisoned and essentially tortured. I bet lots of people are scared they might develop one as well.

This is a personal issue for me, as I have bipolar disorder. All of the people in my life are understanding and even supportive. There have been times, however, when I have seen a look of pure fear in a person's eyes when I told them about my illness.

I am a high functioning individual and quite stable because I take care of myself, see my doctor and therapist on a regular schedule and take my meds as directed. I haven't always been like this, and many people never get to the level of functioning I am at. We are not to be feared just because of our diagnosis. There are plenty of people in the world without a mental illness who are way scarier.

Think of mental illness as any other condition that has to be monitored and treated on a longterm basis, like diabetes. Like any other stigma or stereotyping, it will take time to gain more acceptance. And we can't ever expect total acceptance.I just try to educate those who don't understand. If they still treat me like a freak, well, that's their problem, not mine.

Thanks for bringing up this question.

I wouldn't go so far as to say you're evil...maybe you have some hatred issues but I'm not saying you're mentally ill either. Just full of hate. You should read the book of James in the Bible...NIV. Or 2 Corinthians might also help you.

I think that it is because they feel superior, to me it is an illness or affliction; the same as any physical ones and it is pure meanness when they are abused verbally ~

if a person has a broken leg in a cast, how many people curse them because they are in a broken condition, or any other problem, in the physical?

I do believe though that God is the answer how ever He wants to heal and deliver those persons, no matter what the cause, demonic or chemical imbalance or trauma or whatever;

King James Version (KJV)

34When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

35Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

36They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed;

whatever way He wants to set them free, He can and will do it; there's nothing too hard for God

I think you are right. They are afraid that it could happen to them. It really upsets me when I read a post by a person who obviously has mental issues and they are either made fun of or told just to pray to God and everything will be alright.

I always answer to the person that they need to find a competent counselor to talk to and urge them to contact their county's mental health agency if they cannot afford one.

There was a question about a friend who had bulimia. I could not believe that I was one of the only people who said the friend needed medical and psychological treatment. Everyone else told the girl to just pray for the friend. Would their responses have been the same if the child was suffering from cancer?

I've rarely seen hatred towards the mentally ill. In my opinion most people are a little "crazy" anyways. As for psychiatric hospitals, I've been to three different ones in the past. I've had four, one week stays in those places. I've since threw out all of my medications and moved on.

Oh super hot button with me.

Religion can not cure mental illness. It can help one COPE with mental illness, it can build a support network for mental illness, it can NOT cure mental illness. I assure you Jesus was not in that psych ward with me and I prayed pretty damn hard.

God gave them doctors, f*cking use them.

Amen, mama!

Some people are just evil and cruel, and I think those who are mean to the mentally ill and who make jokes about them are immature and unintelligent....not to mention just plain mean.

Actually its because it makes them feel better about themselves. Those people have insecurity issues.

Hate comes from Fear. Fear is opposite to Courage. Fear is 'Darkness' as opposed to 'Light'. Those who are in 'Darkness' have to scream in 'Fear'. They have to make fun or everyone else since it makes them feel (falsely) superior.

Thanks for yet another interesting Q

Lack of understanding but not closed mindedness.