I am appalled at the hypocrisy of the general public.

Erma - I am appalled at the hypocrisy of the general public. For them, saying the "r-word" (retard) is just as cruel and hurtful as many swear words, yet they throw around terms like "bipolar," "anxiety" and "OCD" like they're nothing. As a young person who suffers from bipolar disorder, I am extremely offended when people self-diagnose mental illness. No, you are not bipolar because you had a minor mood swing or changed your mind a few times. Mental illness is crippling and debilitating. Start treating us with the same respect as you would treat someone with a developmental disability.