[bsdshepherd]

The efficacy of bibliotherapy should not be readily dismissed. Words, written or spoken, images, still or moving, or sounds can create or alleviate illness in the mind. Idleness will deteriorate mind and body as surely as abuse or neglect.

That having been said:

   "Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self esteem 
   be sure that you are not first, in fact, surrounded by a**holes." 
      - William Gibson

[lutusp]

> The efficacy of bibliotherapy should not be readily dismissed.

What happened to what is popularly known as common sense? A disease that can be treated by a website is virtual, not real. To see the point, try treating any real disease by visiting a website.

> Words, written or spoken, images, still or moving, or sounds can create or alleviate illness in the mind.

Yes, but only when an "illness in the mind" is imaginary.

[bsdshepherd]

> What happened to what is popularly known as common sense?

In my own experience, I did not gain "Common sense" until I did what you did - move to the middle of nowhere and gain direct experience. Until then, my understanding was gained through media.

> A disease that can be treated by a website is virtual, not real.

Let us begin by defining our terms. How do you define:

.) dis-ease

.) treated

.) website

.) real

.) imaginary

Make no mistake - I'm in assloads of pain with every keystroke but I will rip you a new one on this matter.

[lutusp]

> I'm in assloads of pain with every keystroke but I will rip you a new one on this matter.

Let me ask a common-sense question. What's my incentive to continue an exchange with someone who is obviously psychotic and probably dangerous?

[bsdshepherd]

> psychotic

Choose - mental illness is either real or it isn't.

Seek help.

[lutusp]

>> psychotic

> Choose - mental illness is either real or it isn't.

Calling someone psychotic doesn't grant the reality either of the term's generally accepted meaning or mental illness as a category. Any more than the common use of the term "genius" is reducible to scientific consensus on the meaning of that term.

[DanBC]

So you're happy to use mental illnes to stigmatise and discriminate against people, but you dismiss it as nonsense when people seek treatment?

Another example of you using mental health diagnosis in a stigmatisig way: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8250828#up_8251567