Readers React: The stigma of mental illness

Sandy Banks’ column focusing on a coffee-shop patron questioning her social acceptability only reminds me how tricky this situation is for those of us on the wrong side. (“Admitting our own quirks may lead us to accept others,” Column, May 23)

I was diagnosed bipolar in 1980. Although I have faithfully taken lithium over the last 34 years, I still am unable to escape the stigma of mental illness.

I’ve held long-term jobs, been in a relationship for 17 years and own property near the beach, yet my mother still tells me “I’m getting sick again” any time a normal dispute arises. It’s basically a no-win situation when “labeled means disabled.”

Kyle Kimbrell

Playa del Rey