The world punishes people far more for being different than it does for anything having to do with right or wrong.

Interesting thought, Patrick. I'd never really thought of it that way before. I think that anything "different" that we deal with mentally is definitely seen as a stigma. It's easy for people to separate themselves from the criminal element; they can simply, self-righteously say: I would never be like that. And they can dismiss it. That's the "right or wrong" part.

But, those of us who can seem, to whatever extent, to function in daily life, and yet are "different," as you say, are a different matter. We look normal. We do our shopping along with everyone else. Yet when that difference shows, it frightens people. Frankly, I think the fear is that they look at us and realize that it could be them, instead. So, rather than acknowlefge that fear, they make outcasts of us. Do I know that one, myself. You're right: if a person is different, in whatever way, that person had better well keep it to him/herself.

Patrick, you wrote "From personal expirees I can tell you the world punish people from more for being different than it does for anything having to do with right or wrong."

I agree with you. The depression notwithstanding, I'm considered eccentric, artistic, "out there", non-conventional, etc. I don't "fit" into any particular niche and I tend to create my own unique environment. The "world" doesn't quite know what to do with me nor make of me. And you know what, I'm OK with that.

The other issues you have brought up -- loss of housing, jobs, friends, relationships -- for those losses in your life my heart aches for you. It happens when people are afraid of what they don't understand. It's wrong, but it happens. It doesn't make it right, but it happens.

hey howdy do I resonate with this.
And what you said is excatly true of most, but
fortunately, NOT *ALL* people.
Most people have a very limited "comfort" zone.
when an experience pushes them past that,
into an area where they need to THINK,
they get upset, and act like a scared lemur...
What's worst of all is that ADULTS do not pass on
intelligent ways to deal with the unknown, so children
act the way thay act, and no one ever corrects them...
so it's a vicious cycle. I used to talk to myself
on a pretty regular basis, I have managed to quiet it down
over time. Don't give up! An aid or an advocate would
be able to help you with some of the things you've experienced,
I believe - a liasion between you and whomever in the outside
world. There may be laws that have been violated in
instances where jobs and housing have been lost....
you may want to look into that. You would likely be
covered under the americans with disabilities act.
(not that you have an actual disability, but the law would probably see you as one).
that means people like landlords would have to provide tolerance and leeway
for you. Check your local mental health center - they can likely
hook you up with references to legal aid, and other advocacy agencies that
could assist you.

And you are absolutely correct. The world usually punishes
people who are different. Does'nt matter what the difference is,
but different, and that's it. People will attack you, hurt you,
etc. and often, you'll be the one who is blamed. It's not right,
and it's a raw deal.

Wow...I am a shocked by this, that you have lost jobs, housing, etc. because of only that! I don't talk to myself, but if anyone got into my head I'd be locked away for sure, because I definitely have conversations with myself in there. You actually need to hear your voice...big deal...but apparently that is a huge difference for people!
I guess I shouldn't be surprised...people only associate talking to yourself with being psychotic, as if you are delusional and incompetent. It seems ridiculous to me. I do hope you can get some sort of advocacy, because absolutely that is not an acceptable reason to deny someone a job or housing for which they are qualified.