The term “Mental Health” is NOT a euphemism! Such a large word for someone who didn’t bother to look up the definition before using it. It’s a broad, all encompassing term used so that people with these types of disorders do not have to disclose specifics in the interest of a little thing called privacy. It also gives less ammo to people like “Tootles” to shame us by making us feel like it’s our fault that we have a chemical imbalance. We realize that there are consequences for our actions even though they may be out of our control. We are not looking for special treatment. We are looking for ways to cope with said consequences because we are human and do not always have all the answers. What an apathetic and judgmental response to someone reaching out for help and advice. Truly spoken like someone steeped in the bureaucratic policy designed to focus solely on the bottom line and ignore the human beings that are drowning beneath it. Expressing empathy is NOT coddling, it is offering others the same respect, dignity and understanding that you expect from them. People with mental illnesses (yes, it is also an acceptable term) are NOT second class citizens. As a matter of fact it is so common that I could speculate that you know and love someone with a mental illness. You may not be aware of it because they just might be afraid to discuss it with you for fear of being judged. I’m not saying this is an absolute truth, but you might be surprised if you asked the right people the right questions. I’ve spoken up because this person didn’t speak up for him/her self. Everyone deserves to have a voice. Even if they don’t have the ability to do it on their own at the moment.