Yes, I agree. There are a lot of jerks like the author who know nothing, and don't want to learn, about mental illness. Let any one of them experience the pain and agony of the families as well as those afflicted. This article is truly irresponsible, ignorant, and ill informed. Many of the comments demonstrate that many of your readers share these faults. Maybe we should heap scorn on someone with a physical ailment. Why not? Aren't they self centered in going to the doctor, when just a little positive thought will cure their cancer? At least getting everyone on a regimen of prayer and positive thought will lower our health care costs generated by these self centered freeloaders.

Yes, there are many who claim to be bipolar, and use it as an excuse for inexcusable behavior. However, this article is a disservice to those that are truly mentally ill, some afflicted with bipolar. The author's comments would certainly be different if he had the misfortune to experience a full blown bipolar (manic) episode. I know. I spent ten days in a locked psych ward, with a manic episode with both auditory and visual hallucinations. I didn't get there by being self absorbed and wanting an excuse for my behavior. I got there because I had the misfortune to be ill. I consider this article to be potentially life threatening. I too had family and friends who tried to minimize the situation and give me those easy words to just...