[Beccaa]

i totally agree with this- mental illness as a whole suffers from a huge stigma. ultimately, i'm convinced that people don't want to see real suffering. sure, they stare at car accidents on the freeway but the second they see actual blood it's suddenly 'too far' and 'sick' and, worst yet, 'insane'. smoking cigarettes is just as damaging as cutting and (for the most part) socially acceptable.

there is no short term solution, education is the only way to make people begin to take the mentally ill seriously. it takes time, a lot of time.

this all sounds really frustrating for you, have you considered seeing a counselor?