So is the answer more guns or less guns?

[auntpolly]

Are you maybe one of those people who blame the parents of the VT shooter?
I really hope not.

I don't know anything about them - but I do know that studies have proved that video games like these numb young minds to violence - they use things just like them to teach people in the army to kill.

"Blame" is the wrong word and I don't know anything about these people or the young man - I'm just talking in general terms.

We can ban all the guns or we can all go everywhere packing - won't change a thing about our society.

 

[Freyja]

If you think that, then I have some beach front property in Nevada I could sell you. I also worked for years as an occupational health nurse and I can tell you that any hint of therapy for any reason spooks employers. I can remember having to call an ambulance for an acutely suicidal employee. He attempted to tell everyone that walked by on the way to the ambulance why he was going to the hospital. I literally had to insist that he not talk. If his supervisor knew why he was leaving, even though its against the law, they would probably look under a rock to find a reason to "eliminate" his job. That is the world we live in. No employer has any business knowing any of your medical history UNLESS it interferes with you doing your job; ie a work restriction.

As an employer myself, I have no problem hiring someone who has had a temporary mental illness.

 

[eclectics]

If you think that, then I have some beach front property in Nevada I could sell you. I also worked for years as an occupational health nurse and I can tell you that any hint of therapy for any reason spooks employers. I can remember having to call an ambulance for an acutely suicidal employee. He attempted to tell everyone that walked by on the way to the ambulance why he was going to the hospital. I literally had to insist that he not talk. If his supervisor knew why he was leaving, even though its against the law, they would probably look under a rock to find a reason to "eliminate" his job. That is the world we live in. No employer has any business knowing any of your medical history UNLESS it interferes with you doing your job; ie a work restriction.

I think perhaps you might be underestimating the tolerance of employers in this country nowdays. We have come quite a ways from The Thomas Eagleton days.

 

[bsnyder]

As an employer myself, I have no problem hiring someone who has had a temporary mental illness.

How many have you knowingly hired? What were they diagnosed with?

 

[DawnCt1]

As an employer myself, I have no problem hiring someone who has had a temporary mental illness.

Would you hire a chronic schizophrenic or a person with manic depressive illness who is controlled on medication MOST of the time but may require a hospitalization every year or so? I can tell you, that a lot of employers wouldn't and they wouldn't admit it either.

 

[Freyja]

How many have you knowingly hired? What were they diagnosed with?

I have knowingly only hired 1. She had suffered from severe postpartum depression.

A good friend of mine has battled mental illness for a long time. Has never been admitted though but has been on medication and in treatment for many years. Is very outspoken about the illness and has never encountered any problems when looking for work. Never been unemployed.

 

[bsnyder]

I think perhaps you might be underestimating the tolerance of employers in this country nowdays. We have come quite a ways from The Thomas Eagleton days.

I have to disagree. Do you work with anyone who is mentally ill? Or even know anyone who is?

 

[DawnCt1]

I think perhaps you might be underestimating the tolerance of employers in this country nowdays. We have come quite a ways from The Thomas Eagleton days.

I wish I was. I only left the work force of a major company about 2 years ago. I am well aware of how things work....and that was just for depression!

 

[pgsahm2]

I hope not the liqued kind?

Nope, not liquid! lol

The turkey was good, good too!

 

[Freyja]

Would you hire a chronic schizophrenic or a person with manic depressive illness who is controlled on medication MOST of the time but may require a hospitalization every year or so? I can tell you, that a lot of employers wouldn't and they wouldn't admit it either.

No I wouldn´t. As I said, I would hire someone who had suffered a temporary mental illness. Chronic schizophrenia is not temporary.

 

[eclectics]

I have to disagree. Do you work with anyone who is mentally ill? Or even know anyone who is?

yes (in my previous job), I am now self employed...... and yes (gainfully employed).

 

[bsnyder]

I have knowingly only hired 1. She had suffered from severe postpartum depression.

A good friend of mine has battled mental illness for a long time. Has never been admitted though but has been on medication and in treatment for many years. Is very outspoken about the illness and has never encountered any problems when looking for work. Never been unemployed.

What is his diagnosis, and what field is he employed in?

My first-hand experience has been that there is still considerable prejudice and stigma attached to mental illness, for the patient and their families. And a whole lot of misconceptions, stereotypes and ignorance for anyone who hasn't been directly exposed to the mentally ill and the mental health system.

 

[pgsahm2]

You could use the same argument about a lot of things. Alcohol, for one. It serves no more legitimate purpose than gun ownership. It's a personal preference. But it clearly causes a lot of social ills and safety issues for society, including death.

Oh, good one. Alcohol really doesn't have a purpose does it?

 

[LuvDuke]

YOU didn't think that your sister was wrong, did you???

Shhh, we'll just keep that quiet.

I think I was stuck in the same place many Americans are: How can a person who spent time in a mental hospital be able to pass the background check and buy a gun legally? It still boggles my mind.

 

[Freyja]

What is his diagnosis, and what field is he employed in?

My first-hand experience has been that there is still considerable prejudice and stigma attached to mental illness, for the patient and their families. And a whole lot of misconceptions, stereotypes and ignorance for anyone who hasn't been directly exposed to the mentally ill and the mental health system.

There are a couple of diagnosis, I´m not familiar with them all. I know that SHE has been diagnosed with depression and severe anxiety among other things. She has also been diagnosed with AD (not a mental illness I know). She works in the hotel business.

 

[FishyCat25]

I agree

 

[bsnyder]

There are a couple of diagnosis, I´m not familiar with them all. I know that SHE has been diagnosed with depression and severe anxiety among other things. She has also been diagnosed with AD (not a mental illness I know). She works in the hotel business.

No I wouldn´t. As I said, I would hire someone who had suffered a temporary mental illness. Chronic schizophrenia is not temporary.

Good think she wasn't counting on you for a job, then. You wouldn't hire her.

 

[Freyja]

Good think she wasn't counting on you for a job, then. You wouldn't hire her.

You´re right. I wouldn´t hire her. Luckily someone else will and has. Even though she didn´t have her mental illness, I still wouldn´t hire her. She´s not the right person for any of the jobs I have. But that´s a whole other story.

 

[#1MMFan]

What is his diagnosis, and what field is he employed in?

I think that even in the anonymous internet world, this kind of information is not necessary. Back to the topic please...

 

[Freyja]

I think that even in the anonymous internet world, this kind of information is not necessary. Back to the topic please...

I didn´t mind the question at all. However, it definately is off-topic.